May I give you a quick vocabulary lesson involving a root word? The root word is the prefix -para-which means besides, alongside and position. Some of you might also recognize the word paraclete which is taken from the Greek paraklētos meaning called in aid, from para- alongside + klētos (taken from kalein) which means to call. In simpler words, paraclete means advocate or helper. The translation of the word in English versions of the Bible is comforter. Now, consider the following scripture:
The Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.
Galatians 5:22 (NLT)
All of those adjectives listed in the passage above can easily be applied to a paraclete. So, why am I teaching you, dear reader, this vocabulary lesson? Good question. Read on.
Back in 2011 I was laid off from the corporate HR world, thank God. 1500 obstacles and 30 months later God’s path led me to a classroom in Guǎngzhōu China. While teaching in China, the Comforter revealed to me these same spiritual gifts written in Galatians. Glory goes to God, I was able to create solid foundations and relationships with most of my Chinese college students which are still going strong even though they are half-a-world away.
My teaching skills, while in China, were adequate at best, but I taught the kids the same way God taught me when He said
I will teach you, guide you, and show you the way to go. I will council you and watch over you.
Psalm 32:8 (NLT)
Today is no different. The Lord allows me to use these gifts serving students for a Chicago school. The “system” has elementary school children who have an individualized education program (IEP). In layman’s terms, these children have special needs. Too many of these children have learning, emotional and / or behavioral disabilities.
In “normal“ children’s language this means those with IEPs are sometimes shunned simply because they are seen as different. God knows these children already have an academic disadvantage, hence, working with these wonderful kids requires love, patience, kindness, gentleness, and self-control even if they are treated rudely, disrespectfully and scornfully. You ask again. Why am I teaching this to you, beloved reader? It’s because KJ has an IEP.
And I am his Para.
24 sixth-graders, sitting in circle, converse, laugh, and engage with each other while waiting for a class to begin. Quietly alone and among them sits KJ plugging his nose and mouth as if preparing to plunge into a pool to cleanse himself. Does he think he stinks?
The teacher begins by asking the whole group to break off into pairs, KJ with Adrian. Things improve. She smiles and engages with the one who thinks he stinks. For now there’s a classmate, partner, friend for five minutes. The stink is gone, replaced with a wonderfully infectious grin.
The teacher changes learning styles again. (Why?) She puts entire class back into original circle. (Why!?) Quietly alone again, sitting among them is KJ, plugging his nose and mouth as if preparing to plunge into a smelly pool.
I pray for KJ while talking to God in heaven.
Don’t worry KJ I won’t let you jump. I’ve stopped you before and I will do it again because God ordained us to be together. For Jesus said:
Whoever becomes simple and elemental again, like this child, will rank high in God’s Kingdom. What’s more, when you receive this childlike on my account, it’s the same as receiving me.
Matthew 18:5 (MSG)
All for the King,
and some for KJ, too.
