Subscription Lists

In the high school I attended our mascot was the Panthers. We showed our pride in many ways: pep rallies, orange and blue T-shirts, and clever chants. But one of the most unique ways we showed pride in our school and our teams was initiated and, in fact, embedded in the very foundation of the school building when it was built in the early 1960's. A large Panther head with the words Pana Panthers surrounding it was inset in the tiles of the main hallway in front of the gym. Every student passed that way at least twice during the day, if not more often. Tradition dictated that we not walk on the Panther head, but walk around it.

There was plenty of room on one side of the Panther, but the other side almost touched the wall of the ticket booth. There was room just to tiptoe between the picture and the wall. Room, that is, unless someone got too close behind you and you lost your balance and had to step right on the panther's nose. On several occasions I saw upper classmen lightly push, harshly comment, or glare at unwary freshmen who were either so lost they didn't realize they were walking on the Panther head or just didn't know enough to care. When older students were guilty of this they usually only earned a glare, but the message came across.

Over the years, the tradition began to fade and at some point the incoming freshmen apparently no longer were told of this tradition of pride. When I was substitute teaching in the building several years ago I noticed students and teachers walking right over the Panther and not even looking down. I wanted to stop them, point and say, "Hey, show some pride!" But they probably wouldn't have had a clue what I was talking about.

Now the building has been coverted to the junior high school. I don't think any junior high students know the tradition either. It reminds me a bit of God and His people. The children of Israel would respect God for awhile, then that generation would die out and their children would begin practicing idolatry again. Eventually they would repent and the cycle would start over again. But they couldn't seem to maintain their respect for Jehovah God.

I've also noticed this happens to me. I'll be doing a wonderful job with my prayer life, bible study and keeping focused on God - even seeking His will and trying to follow where He leads me. Then for whatever reason, I don't pay attention to where I'm walking , look down for just a moment, and I step into something I shouldn't.

Psalm 30:1 says, "I will exalt you, O Lord, for your lifted me out of the depths and did not let my enemies gloat over me." Later in 34:3 we are told, "Glorify the Lord with me and let us exalt His name together."

Taking pride in my relationship with the heavenly Father, pride that makes me happy to share or boast in Christ rather than in myself, means I must exalt His name, trust Him to take care of me and keep my eyes on where I am going - toward God!

And, just for the record, I still walk around the Panther head!

"God's Words For US" from Cecelia Lester

The Importance of Prayer