When I wanted to stand up to the principal
Originally appeared online in the teen series Trending - September 3, 2024.
I was fired up. During my junior year of high school, the principal had started enforcing rules that seemed unfair to many students. I was pretty comfortable speaking my mind, including when I disagreed with a teacher or someone else in authority. So I was ready to tell him what I thought.
In the past, though, I hadn’t always shared my thoughts in the most sensitive manner. Also, during this time, I was becoming more dedicated to my study and practice of Christian Science. While I felt it was right to stand up for what I believed, I knew there was probably a better, nonconfrontational, way to do it. And I was confident I could find this better way by praying.
One of the books I turned to a lot was Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures by the Discoverer of Christian Science, Mary Baker Eddy. In it, I found this helpful passage: “Love inspires, illumines, designates, and leads the way. Right motives give pinions to thought, and strength and freedom to speech and action” (p. 454).
This was a good starting point for my prayers. I really examined my motives. My goal wasn’t to argue or to prove anyone wrong; I just wanted fairness for everyone. I reasoned that because my motives were right, they were supported by divine Principle, God. I could listen to God for the best way forward—a way that wouldn’t mean backing down from what I believed but that was grounded in divine Love. I knew that the school principal was more likely to be receptive to ideas that were communicated thoughtfully.
While I felt it was right to stand up for what I believed in, I knew there was probably a better way to do it. And I was confident I could find this better way by praying.
As I prayed, it was also helpful to consider how Christ Jesus stood up for what was right. For example, when religious officials brought to Jesus a woman they wanted to kill with stones for the sin she’d committed, demanding to know what he thought, “Jesus stooped down, and with his finger wrote on the ground, as though he heard them not.” When they continued asking, he answered, “He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her” (see John 8:3–11).
Jesus took a stand against the group’s violent plan. But he didn’t respond with anger or unkindness. His response was firm but calm, and the outcome was peaceful. He also firmly but tenderly rebuked the woman’s behavior.
This biblical account reminded me of a hymn from the Christian Science Hymnal that says,
Gracious Spirit, dwell with me:
I myself would gracious be,
And with words that help and heal
Would Thy life in mine reveal;
And with actions bold and meek
Christ’s own gracious spirit speak.
(Thomas T. Lynch, No. 88, alt. © CSBD)
Boldness and meekness might seem like opposites, but to me, they describe Jesus’ speech and actions. The strength and grace he expressed came from his receptivity to God as divine Mind and from humbly listening to God as divine Love.
I realized that instead of just speaking my mind, it was more important to listen to God and let Love guide my speech and actions. Then my words could actually “help and heal.”
After praying for several days, I decided to organize my thoughts into a letter to the principal. I wrote, read, and revised my letter until I felt it was clear and had the right tone—bold and meek. I had my parents read the letter, too, and they agreed that it was a responsible approach.
When the principal received my letter, he called me into his office to discuss it. While he defended his position on several of the points, he agreed that some of the new policies could be relaxed. For the remainder of the school year, he followed through with this, which expanded some opportunities for students.
I realized that instead of just speaking my mind, it was more important to listen to God and let Love guide my speech and actions.
As I was scheduling my classes for the following year, the principal asked if, instead of taking a study hall (a class period set aside for independent study and homework), I would use that hour to work as an aide to his secretary. I happily accepted the offer and enjoyed working in the principal’s office throughout my senior year, grateful for our newfound mutual respect.
Taking a stand for good is important and needed. And as we listen to God’s direction, our speech and actions will be guided—boldly and meekly—in ways that will bring peace and healing for us and for others.
