Don't Get Stuck

3 Ways To Get Unstuck

Various Selected Scriptures - Do yourself a favor and click here to watch this hilarious yet powerful sermon

In this sermon, guest speaker Jeremy Foster talks about the topic of being stuck.  Foster discusses Paul being stuck in prison while he writes the book Philippians.  It is then discussed how Paul, while being stuck, continues to accomplish his goals of spreading the good news of the gospel.  

In Philippians 1:12-14 Paul writes: And I want you to know, my dear brothers and sisters, that everything that has happened to me here has helped to spread the Good News.  For everyone here, including the whole palace guard, knows that I am in chains because of Christ.  And because of my imprisonment, most of the believers here have gained confidence and boldly speak God's message without fear.

Even though Paul was stuck in one of the worst places, he used his situation to positively change the lives of those around him.  We might not be stuck in a physical prison like Paul but maybe you are stuck in depression, addiction, anxiety, and many other types of "prisons".  Here are 3 signs that you are stuck:

1. You start faking it - You tell everyone that everything is fine when inside you are struggling.  Jeremiah 6:14 says: "They dress the wound of my people as though it were not serious. Peace, peace they say, when there is no peace."
2. You'll deal with it later: - Putting things off because you don't believe it will change anything or make a difference.  Matthew 7:7 says: "Ask, and it will be given to you. Seek, and you will find. Knock, and the door will be opened to you."
3. You give up: - Losing all hope because you don't see how to get out of your situation. Philippians 4:13 says: "I can do everything through Christ who gives me strength."

If these are the signs of being stuck, how can those of us in education become unstuck. Here are 3 ways to get unstuck and make a difference in your schools.

1. Stop faking it: - Everyone is fighting a battle we know nothing about.  Unfortunately, we cannot help each other out if we do not understand the battles people are facing.  We have students coming to our schools that are experts at faking it.  We have coworkers, families, and community members that are experts of faking it.  I am guilty of this myself as I tend to keep everything to myself.  We must create a family like culture in our schools that is built on positive relationships.  We must establish an environment where everyone feels empowered to share their stories so that we can all unite together to conquer any battle that comes our way.
2. Deal with it now: - Most of us have experienced situations that could have been avoided had they been dealt with immediately. The longer we postpone dealing with issues the longer those issues have to grow.  This makes is much more difficult to get unstuck and move forward.  One of the most important factors of dealing with items immediately is communication.  When we get everyone involved we can make well educated decisions from individuals who have experienced similar situations. Dealing with issues now will allow us to get ahold of the situation before the situation gets ahold of us.
3. Don't give up: - In education we have several eyes that are watching our every move.  We say a lot of things to our students, parents, community members, and each other.  Although our words can and will have a lasting impact, it is our actions that can have powerful ramifications on an individual's life.  It is easy to tell someone not to give up. It is much more difficult to model not giving up.  We must not give up because our student's lives depend on it.  We must battle through every moment so that we demonstrate to our students that they don't have to stay stuck.

Final Thoughts:

Our profession is overworked and underpaid.  Many people have stated: "I would never do what you all do for that much money." This is because they do not understand our greatest reward.  When we bring a smile to a child's face.  When we are the only ones who tells a child we love them.  When we are the only ones who don't give up on a child.  When we walk hand-in-hand with a child to help them overcome many obstacles.  We are truly making a difference in what I believe to be the greatest profession.  How will you prevent yourself from becoming stuck? We can't help others move forward to the future if we are stuck in the present.  How has a teacher, coach, administrator, or other school employees helped you get unstuck? I would love to hear your story or connect with you on Twitter.  Thank you for taking the time to read this.  Have a blessed day!