Congratulations on finishing up the 2020-2021 school year! To the 5th graders, 8th graders, and seniors, you have accomplished so much and are about to start a whole new adventure next year! My prayer for you is that you will see the next year as a fresh start and make a point to show others Christ in you. Wherever you may go, I challenge you to be different. I challenge to set it in your mind that God has placed you in a new mission field. Serve Him wherever you go and let your walk be known to others.
I want you to know that you each mean so much to me. My greatest blessing is to see you grow in your walk with Christ. It is such a blessing to teach you and hear how God has changed your life throughout the years. I pray that you will reach out to me anytime you have questions or prayer needs. I am always here for you and love hearing your stories!
In the last year teaching Released Time at Pickens Middle, I was reminded how tough middle school can be for all students. My advice for you and your future is to always remember that “God has not called you to “fit in.” He has called you to be set apart and to make a difference in the world around you.
Romans 12:2 says “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is – his good, pleasing, and perfect will.”
To break it down:
Transform don’t conform: The devil wants nothing more than to see you blend in with the sins of this world and accept the unacceptable in God’s eyes. We are called to love one another and show the love of Christ to everyone around us, yet we are not called to love the sins that others commit. Let it be known what you approve of and don’t approve of based on the Word of God. Don’t let go of God’s word just to appease those around you. The only One you should seek approval from is that of God Himself. If you are a follower of Christ, you won’t fit in with this world and to be honest – it won’t always be easy, but you can do it with the guidance of Jesus Christ. Don’t give up. Stay in prayer – stay focused on who God wants you to be – and don’t become consumed with the culture this world has created.
Renew your mind: Your mind is constantly filled with sin. Turn on the TV, the radio, or just simply scroll through the social media – everywhere you look sin is lurking in the darkness. In the midst of good posts filled with scripture and encouragement, the devil sneaks in with a video, a quote, or a picture that is not pleasing to God yet tempting to others. You are young and you are human – so it is all too easy for the world to consume you, bring you down, and turn your focus away from God and towards the negativity, pain, and sins of this world. My prayer will always be that God is first and foremost in each of your lives. I pray that you are praying. The only way anyone, young or old, can overcome the society we live in today, is to stay connected to their Heavenly Father. Remember what I said in class, when you sin, say the Lord’s Name in Vain, hurt someone with words or actions, or act out of what you want versus what is right in the eyes of the Lord, you should not be worried about just offending other people – you are offending your Heavenly Father, your Creator, your Savior. You are free to make your own choices but your choices can come with consequences. Seek the Lord first in every decision you make.
“But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” Mathew 6:33
Remember who you are in Christ and what Jesus did for you.
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” 2 Corinthians 5:17
Let your light shine even when it’s not easy and let Christ use you to encourage those around you.
“In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:16
You can make a difference. You can save a life.
In my classroom we had 7 chairs that represented teens that had lost their lives during the school year (Ages 10-14). 3 of them from students that had committed suicide. Before you speak, think about what it would be like if that was the last thing you said to that person. How would you feel?
I pray that this virus and shut down has taught you a lot about yourself and what/who you often have taken for granted. Who did you miss? What did you miss about school or society in general? Would you have treated others differently if you knew you would miss out on the last 2 months of school with them?
At the beginning of the school year, my word for the year was more of a verse. “Rejoice always.” 1 Thessalonians 5:16 Rejoice when you are happy and everything is at peace but also rejoice when times are tough and God is working in your life. Life will not always be easy, but God has promised us hope and a future. Stay focused on God and let Him lead your life.
You are always in my prayers!
Love and prayers,
Kayla Rampey
864-915-8094 Text anytime with prayer needs
“Rejoice always. Pray continually. Give thanks in all circumstances.” 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
May God bless you and show you His grace every day!