I’d like to give you a quick vocabulary lesson involving a root word. The root word is the prefix -para-, a significant term that 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 fruit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Galatians 5:22 (NLT)
These adjectives listed in the passage above, such as love, patience, and kindness, are qualities often associated with a paraclete and frequently used to describe a spiritual guide or mentor. So, why am I teaching you this vocabulary lesson, dear reader? That’s a good question. Read on.
Thank God I was laid off from corporate HR in 2011. 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. The interactions with my Chinese college students truly brought these gifts to life, allowing me to create solid foundations and relationships that 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 counsel you and watch over you. Psalm 32:8 (NLT)
Today is no different. The Lord allows me to use these gifts to serve students for a Chicago school with autism, Down Syndrome, Fragile-X, or a combination of these disabilities. I honestly can see God’s characteristics through these beautiful children, enabling me to learn more from them than from myself.
To God be the Glory!
