Rehabbing Rahab

I saw that title somewhere else and decided that it would be perfect for my blog post. So undulated credit goes to the original conceptualiser. So I am trying to plan a study on Joshua for my youth group and suddenly a question pops into my head. Little did I know that that question would lead me here! Alright!!!

Rahab much like Ruth were gentile women. Rahab however was a prostitute who earned an honourable mention in the Bible for housing two Isreali spies.

Such a dishonourable woman for such an honourable task, some may have thought, but God tends to call the pure in heart, despite their outward appearance and shortcomings  (1 Samuel 16:7).  It reminds us of Jesus' ministry of calling the sick and not the healthy because He is the Great Physician. His mission of reconciling sinful man to God, He often used the most unlikely candidates- the underdogs so to speak (Acts 4:13).

So here is a woman who defied all odds by being a working woman in a culture that was hostile towards women, but at the same time she was not in a noble profession. But this was secondary to the task at hand.

Nevertheless, she faced an ultimatum- 'life' or death. If she chose to hide the spies and the officials found out she risked death- not just her death but that of her family. On the other hand, if she chose not to house the spies she would have missed out on the greatest honour and blessing of her life, but she would have her life- for a time

Thanks be to God, that Rahab chose the former. She risked death because she had heard about the God of the Israelites and all that He had done and how He had destroyed all of their enemies and delivered them from Egypt  (Joshua 2:9). In a holy fear of God (which was amazing because her people were not God worshippers), Rahab submitted to the will of God. Her willingness had only one condition that when they came in to possess the land that they would remember her and her family.

They agreed, they made a promise to her and they kept it. She need only tie a scarlet ribbon from her window (scarlet- like the red on the doorpost in Egypt and the blood of Jesus). Not only did they honour that request but God honoured it in a MAJOR way.

What a brave and amazing woman. When the officials came knocking, Rahab said she had not seen them and sent them on a wild goose chase, then she let them down her window (which was near the city gates) and sent them on their way safely. Though, the issue to some here may be the fact that she lied, God is holy and does not condone lying, but one must remember that Rahab had still been of the flesh and thus operated in that- human kind based on our Adamic nature are prone and programmed to sin- that we must not forget. But, thank God for the blood of Jesus that cleanses us from all unrighteousness (1 John 1:7).

Anyway, God used this experience to transform Rahab and to show us an example of faith in action- Faith without works is indeed dead. This action of Rahab not only saved her life but God set her in the lineage of the Messiah (Matthew 1:5)! There is another example of a faithful woman from pagan heritage who also made it in the line of the Messiah (Ruth).

All in all, God rehabbed Rahab. He took an unlikely, imperfect candidate and used her in His will. God also does the same with us. He takes us imperfect and unlikely candidates and transforms us and uses us to move mountains and to do His will on earth. He ordained us for extraordinary works before the foundation of the world or before we were conceived (Ephesians 2:10, Jeremiah 1:1-5). Rahab was born for such a time as that! It is when we think of our lives as engineered for God's glory and we seek His will in finding our true purpose we realise that we were born for such a time as this.

God rehab us and let us seek your will instead of ours. Let us seek you and find you and may we seek to know you and power of your resurrection (Philippians 3:10).

Is it time to check into spiritual rehab?

Flexible Learning simplified

As a teacher, I daily try to find ways to inspire my students and make learning interesting. There a lot of flexible and blending learning approaches or pathways to take but as of late, I have been really thinking about ways to inspire my students.

Let's face it! We live in a modern age and our students have shorter attention spans and fifteen minutes into a lecture hour or double period they're already fidgeting on their devices, thinking about what's happening on Facebook/Twitter, putting together their weekend outfit or thinking about their children or significant other.

So, the question is. How do we capture and captivate the attention of these teenagers?

Well, I am Indiana Jonesing- I am digging for lost treasure, digging for gold! I have not quite found it but I'm making head-way. My treasure map and Guide are trustworthy and it looks promising. In light of this, I have conducted some experiments.

DISCLAIMER: These are my suggestions and are not the result of professional research and experiments. Therefore, choosing to follow any of the advice below does not ensure guaranteed success.

1) Let them do research and teach!

After, a session on 'Flipping the classroom', I decided to let my students venture to the good ole library and use the archaic tools of their ancestors- you know- 'books'- (hyperbole alert). Trust me, you'd be amazed at my students reactions to books and anything more than 140 characters, so, it's safe to say that many won't be reading this.

Onward they went to research a topic with the intention of presenting to their peers. When a recap was done at the end of the class and at the beginning of the next, my students were spewing answers at me like water from a water gun (pew pew pewsh- OK maybe this sounds like video game noise but you get my point).

They really enjoyed the research and the information stayed with them as opposed to listening to a lecture where half of it they don't remember.

2) Recording recap videos

So, I must admit I've only done one but I want to test the waters before I dive in. So far, students liked the video and being able to hear my voice and view the content was a plus. There are several apps to help you achieve this (Lensoo create, Explain everything etc).

3) Get creative with your lessons

So, if anybody knows me I am artistic to the marrow. I absolutely love the performing, visual and creative arts. Therefore, my students have to display creativity in their presentations and projects. I have asked my students to dramatise, or sing (a cappella or accompanied) what they have learnt as a way of testing their understanding of concepts or pronunciation (foreign language). At some point, in collaboration with another lecturer, our students presented their marketing strategies and product prototypes. We had a range of items- from cosmetics to sports drinks and even some weird ones in the mix.

The bottom line is to find out what your students' passions and seek to unearth them. Chances are if they use their skills and talents in learning, the lesson may be more memorable and enjoyable.

4) Use resource personnel

This one is another favourite. I have had resource personnel within a specific field address my students. Of course, they must be able to capture their attention and not bore them with rhetoric. They were privy to young entrepreneurs and they even got to sample some products and got good advice (this was their favourite). Some of the entrepreneurs even gave them special discounts. All in all, they loved the diversity and it helped them to remember certain topics based on these.

5) Get out of the classroom

Let's plan to embark on more field trips! While, these field trips can be time consuming and costly, they are a great way of engaging your students. While, travel (local, regional or international) may be a delight, field trips may not be solely seeing but doing. They can take the form of a skills-training exercise or simple research around your school campus (Market research)..

Now, I know that your subject area may not lend itself to merry making and doing many activities but it does not mean that you cannot get creative with your lessons. The key is to get students to look forward to coming to your classes because as they say variety is the spice of life. Of course this is not an exhaustive list and if you have other ideas or suggestions- feel free to leave a message or shoot me an email.

Let's not just teach, let's engage!!!

Ruth and Boaz...but not in that way.

For Christian singles everywhere, there's one love story other than that of Jesus and the cross with which we are familiar. That is...*drumroll please*...Ruth and Boaz. However, I am not going to approach the story from its traditional angle but while re-reading chapter 3, and reading some commentary I saw the story from another angle.

If you've never read the book of Ruth before; you would need to read chapters 1 and 2 to get the context for chapter 3. In this chapter we have learnt that Boaz has expressed a love interest in Ruth and upon the advice of her mother-in-law, Naomi, (again, you will need to read the first two chapters), she meets him on the threshing floor, in the deep cover of night. As she lies at his feet, can you imagine what's going through her head. Could she bare to think with her heart pounding through her chest? Aside from that, it must have been cold, she might have been sweating. What would he think when he wakes up and finds her craddled next to his feet?

Alas, he awakes and she asks him to spread his skirt over her. Wow! Heavy stuff. You won't find this stuff in Mills and Boon- or whatever is in now. But, this was her 'proposal acceptance' of sorts, you kinsman redeemer you! Hubba, hubba.

Anyway, he acknowledged her and expressed his happiness that she chose him an older man and not one of the young tigers. Assured of her feelings, he lets her know that there's a kinsman nearer to him and she must wait to see how the matter turns out; as first thing in the morning he'll see if he (the nearer kinsman) is interested, and if not- he'll return to her and take her away to be his wife.

Boy this may have been nerve-wrecking for both Ruth and Boaz. Him being so close to love but so far, and her, having to wait to see the outcome.

However, the verse that took me aback is verse 9. See: "Ruth 3:9". In the Hebrew language it is said that skirt and wings derive from the same word. For us Christians, we say to God, spread your wings over me. I want to be under your care and protection. I want to be your bride. Hide me under your wing where I am safe (Psalm 17:8)- #mindblown.

Christ continues to pursue us. We have been through tough situations, life has beaten us 'round the head and oppressed. To which God responds, you are persecuted not abandoned, struck down but not destroyed 2 Corinthians 4:9. However, there's a safe place in God- in a covenant with God.

I don't know about you, but the topics of patience, faith, grace and dependence on God spoke to me and I thank God for His revelation.

For further reading view the Ruth 3 commentary by Matthew Henry.

Why there's a little Sheldon in all of us.

Okay. So I guess in order to write a post like this, one must have a certain love for "The Big Bang Theory" LOL.

So a series of unfortunate events has led me to believe that there's a bit of Sheldon Lee Cooper in everyone of us. Yes, I said it. If we are honest with ourselves, there's a bit of that obnoxious, awkward nerd with friends. I dare say, what we often dislike in others is often a reflection of what lies within us. Come on, have you ever stopped to think how on earth does Sheldon have friends? Like seriously? Perhaps, we are bit like that and either deny it or are unaware. Here are some examples.

• "Nobody touch my stuff"

For some of us we hold a certain value for our belongings that others may not necessarily share. Albeit, we might get a little hostile and defensive but hey, if you're like me, you have had enough broken toys in your past (broken by other people) to warrant this rule.

Perhaps, you're not a germaphobe like Shelly or Monk but there's a certain value attached to your stuff like your food and other belongings that should just remain off limits.  

• Nobody enter my room

Boldy go where no man has gone before must be how it feels to enter Shelly's room lol. I am not too sure what's so special about Sheldon's room, but I guess it has something to do with him being uncomfortable with displays of human affection and invasion of personal space- sorry Amy. This sacred zone for many teenagers is that place (in their parents' homes) that is off-limits! 

It's the only place that screams "me" and stores everything that's important to us from personal items to personal journals and diaries. For adults, "stay out of my room" is a must or that favourite scarf, blouse, watch or skirt turns up missing and would mean employing the services of the K9 unit to locate it. Face it, our room is our 'no through zone' and for good reason. So maybe Sheldon is on to something.

Are you convinced yet? No? Ok.

• Awkward relations with the opposite sex

Any avid watcher of TBBT is still trying to wrap their minds around Sheldon having friends or a roomate for that matter, much less a romantic partner- poor Rajesh. Sheldon and Amy (Shamy) are a phenomenon in and of itself. But, there's somebody out there in a relationship like this that other people are trying to figure out. It's interesting to see Amy show Sheldon a self-proclaimed superior specie how to be human. I am not sure if Amy is around because she doesn't think she

can do better or...well there really is no or in this matter. It just makes for good television. So here's to the awkward couples making it work!

• Oblivious to social conventions and sarcasm

I know that not everyone is a 'social animal'. Believe it or not even the advancement of the internet there are some people who do not know what is sarcasm lol. Conversely, many people are more confident talking to a screen than an actual human. It's funny seeing Sheldon navigate the waters of human interaction. From racist statements to sexist remarks, this is some interesting tv.

• Know-it-alls

If my friend you cannot identify the know-it-all in your circle of friends, it's probably you. I feel for Wolowitz who is often the butt of Sheldon's jokes because he doesn't have a PhD like his other friends and his wife. If you're not one with a high self-esteem this can hit you where it hurts. Although, I am not sure if Sheldon is unaware how hurtful his statements are or just doesn't care. If it's on his mind, he says it... which brings me to my final point.

• Word vomiters

Oh these people just say what is on their mind or what everybody is thinking but wouldn't say. Appropriate or not Sheldon really doesn't care. In TV land it makes for good comedy but not out here in the real world.

Of course there are other character traits of Sheldon that can only describe him,, but I still posit, that there’s a bit of Sheldon in all of us.

One day, I'd tell my children...

I usually like to utter these words of advice to my friends "You gotta know when to hold'em, know when to fold'em, know when to walk away and know when to run". For the ole school heads, the new ole schoolers or those in between, this is a song recorded by the Country Music Legend himself, Kenny Rogers. Man I remember my auntie setting the radio dial to Cross Country Radio and you dared not move it! Hours of Country music pounded the airwaves as the lyrics permeated your membranes, took its place and never left.  Oh these were the days when the cassette reigned supreme! Know what am talking bout? Ohh you had to rewind that mug to catch your favourite lyrics and flip it over to the 'B' side to hear the continuation of the epicness. Lol.

I'd tell my children how, eventhough, by time I had made my entrance into the world, the 'Record' was on its way out, but I sure relished the experience of turning my momma's radio to 'Phono', set that record in, lift that needle through the air, cutting  through wind and crossing all barriers of time and space, laying it down to hear that scratch sound, scratch and sandpaper crumpling sound- but not quite, as it was much more delightful on the ears. Ohh man!

I'd tell them that I've loved music my entire life, possibly  since I was in my mother's womb, because  I remember my love affair with old dub and dancehall, roots, rock, reggae; ska, kaiso, soca, ragga soca! Ohhhh, man we had it going on with my young self. I remember the first time I sneaked my Uncle's cassettes out his bag and listened them old dubs and dancehall. I remember the riddims immortal 'Buy out', then 'Bookshelf'. I would tell them, back them when I was looking for an identity I found it in music, from wholesome to the downright degrading, but now, I found my identity in Jesus. I would tell them how to appreciate music and how to value the art of expressing one's self.

I'd tell them about life!

The things that make us individually beautiful.

It was shortly after church that I decided to greet my "old lady friend" at church. I find that I have a great affection for the older folk, filled with knowledge, wisdom and love. Anyway, after I had finished updating her on school and life, I said my goodbyes and was about to leave. Suddenly, she says, "That tooth you have makes you even more beautiful, it's like your own little unique thing". I beamed.

This tooth was not like the others, It didn't grow in line with them and started from a much higher region in my gum than the others.  I often thought it made my smile look off and I felt hella self conscious!

I remembered someone once told me that, but, it was a dude and quite frankly, dudes say stuff. However, hearing it again from someone who saw me like a petal in full bloom, her little "St. Vincent daughter as she would say". Someone who had nothing to gain by telling me that. Boy, a little compliment goes a long way.

Many a times, things which make us different from the rest, which make you stand out are often what makes you special. Things which you may consider ugly and useless make you beautiful in the sight of others and God.

Think what a dreadfully boring world it would be if all of us were the same- totally devoid of creativity and diversity- yuck!

Embrace your differences, difference is good!

Raining Faith?

It was a bright and sunny day and so, I decided to do two loads of laundry. The weather in Barbados (at least where I live) can become a bit unpredictable. It can start out hot like Chili peppers and then out of nowhere comes the rain and wash the spider out. Alas, as I was getting the second batch of clothes ready, I looked up at the sky and saw the rain clouds beginning to form.

Oh noo they didn't. Not on my sunny laundry day you won't. So I exercised my Christian faith and decided to pray and declare that the rain shall not fall today- No Sah!

Now I'm trying my best to keep my faith and checking the clouds from my bedroom window lol. Soon after, I decided to open the door which leads to my 'backyard nature-approved dryer' and behold, a felt sprinkles! Sprinkles? No not sprinkles on top of cake and fudge sundae sprinkles but rain sprinkles- eek( Excuse my brief Archie Comics moment there)!

Naturally, I did what anyone would do and I went to see which clothes were already dry. Child I snatched them up (i.e my all black load) faster than a piece of food that had fallen to the ground hoping the 3 second rule still applied! Huray for me! I took them up and placed them in the garage area to dry.

Surprise, Surprise! Hours after that sprinkle and small downpour not a single shower or mini-shower of rain came and the ones that had been left behind, are currently "getting it in" with the sun!

Smh! So was God trying to teach me a lesson in faith? Had I flunked it miserably, just a bit, or gotten a C?

Oh the joys of nature and the lessons it can teach!