For three days a week I have the pleasure of working one-on-one with 5-8 graders, developing their public speaking skills. I have already had some of these same kids in drama classes and it has been so much fun watching their confidence blossom.

When they come to me as 5th graders, I can see that glazed over look of fear at this new assignment. It’s much different putting yourself in such position than anything they’ve done before. At least when you are playing a part in a play, you can hide behind a mask – become another person for a while and show a different side of yourself.

I have been teaching drama for over 35 years. I have been in many plays, but when it’s time to be the “real” me, I find it tough to do as well. It’s like taking a band aid off and exposing something ugly for everyone to see.

I think we all like to have people see the best in us – without our flaws – without our warts or our self confidence. Each day we may be covering up those things with a mask of protection.

If God were to judge us in this way, we wouldn’t stand a chance at being one of His heirs. We have fallen way short of the mark in so many ways. Because of His amazing love for us, all of our sins have been covered over through His Son, Jesus. He is our shield, our protector, our confidence. Through Him we can do anything.

So, since I am fortunate to work in a Christian school, I can tell these precious children, that they can even get up in front of their peers with confidence, because the mask has been removed and they can do all things through Christ, Jesus.

Thank you, Lord, for allowing me to share you with these kids. It’s so good to know that you value all your children. You have redeemed us with the greatest price anyone could pay. If you think so much of us, let us also feel confident in what you can do through us. Amen!