Trouble Won’t Last Always

By Dr. Marcia Davis-Dawkins

“Let not your heart be troubled.” John 14:1

This Bible verse is seen as a reassurance for us. It sends a reminder that there is hope in times of trouble. What is trouble? Trouble can come in many forms including pain, distress or problems. In a world that is ripe with strife and stress, it seems that we are perturbed daily. There is reassurance for us through this bible verse that encourages us not to throw in the towel and give up hope. As optimistic educators we have to be the support system that may be the ray of sunshine on a cloudy day in students’ lives. Reassurance stipulates that issues will be resolved and that we should not live in fear. How can we avoid living in fear? We can start by being in the presence of people who are positive and avoid those who might weigh our minds down.

As educators we have been called on to comfort parents who send their students to school under our care, confident that the students will be safe, will be nurtured and will learn. Yet, in today’s society that confidence is constantly challenged by the proliferation of gun violence and disarray in schools.

Many times we think that trouble is guaranteed because we don’t get the desires of our hearts, or we don’t get the students we “prefer.” We have to constantly remember that nothing lasts forever. We have a set of students for a time, so we have to be the best that we can be for that set of students. One of the things that I have always said to my daughter whenever she had an issue with a teacher/professor is “Do what you can to get through that class because you won’t have that class, teacher/professor forever.” I have gotten to the point where I share the same thing with my students as they complain bitterly about a subject or a teacher. I encourage them and give them a vote of confidence in what they do and inspire them to have good work ethics.

Hope also sends comfort, but the fact is that fears may dominate our lives. However, we have to have positive attitudes so that students may embrace and replicate our positive energy. The lyrics to one of Rev. Timothy Wright’s song says,

“Weeping may endure for a night

Keep the faith it will be alright, right right

Trouble don’t last always”

Digesting the lyrics and allowing them to marinate will allow one to worry less and think more positively.