Date Posted:16:32:52 10/08/07 Mon Author:Krytan Subject: (NE) "Joshua's Epiphany" Part 1
Joshua’s Epiphany
My name is Joshua. I’m 11 years old. I live in Berwick, Mississippi. I go to Liberty Middle School, in Liberty, Mississippi. It’s what happened in my 6th grade History class that became so bizarre, that my English teacher suggested that I write this report to record the strange events of this school year for extra credit. I need the extra credit, because English is my worst subject. So I am going to try and explain all that happened and why I did what I did in this story.
I guess I should begin from the beginning, the real beginning, not just where the weirdness began. I was born here in Berwick. My parents where born here and their parents were born here. Berwick is a small town in Amite County, Mississippi close to Louisiana and Alabama. It’s in the heart of the Bible belt. Me and my family been going to Antioch Church forever. We have the same pastor that’s been there since Noah’s Flood. Pastor John and Sister Althea, my Sunday school teacher have taught me all I know about the Bible, God and being a good Christian. The most important rule about Christianity is to stand up for what you believe in and don’t let anyone make you back down from what you know is right, because the devil comes in disguises and will try to make you quit. I heard that sermon preached in lots of different ways but it all comes down to stand up for God and don’t let satan force you to surrender. I go to church twice on Sunday and every Wednesday night. I used to think God maybe wanted me to be a preacher when I grow up but now, I know He does.
I started Liberty Elementary School when I was 5 years old. Kindergarten was a blast. Lots of playing and fun stuff to do. Then came first grade and I had to start learning real stuff like reading and arithmetic. I stayed in Liberty Elementary School through 5th grade, graduating with honors. That was last year. This year I started Liberty Middle School. I was both excited and scared. A week before school started I went to 6th grade orientation where they showed me the school and all my classrooms and locker. Always before I just had one classroom to go to and the teacher came to me, now I have to go to each teacher in different classrooms. It’s a little scary thinking about forgetting where’s my next class or my locker combination. The scariest thing is the size of the school. It’s got to be three times bigger than my elementary school. How am I going to get from class to class in four minutes? Then they took me to the boys lockeroom and showed me where I had to change out for PE and shower afterwards. Did they really expect me to get naked in front of other boys, not to mention the PE teacher? After the tour of the school they showed me the bookstore where I bought the supplies I needed, including my PE uniform and athletic supporter. What a stupid contraption! I’m 11 years old, there isn’t anything there for a jockstrap to support. Finally after a lecture in the gym and handing out books with the school rules orientation was over.
School started in the Dog Days of August 2006 like it always does. I am excited this day because it’s my first day of 6th grade. I am no longer a little kid. I’m in Middle School. This is gonna be so awesome. My first class is English with Mrs. Small. I like her all right, but I don’t like English class because it’s to hard. I can’t tell the difference between phrases and clauses and adverbs and adjectives. It just don’t make any sense. After this class I go to next one then the next one and so on and so on. My last class of the day is History with Mr. Klause. I really like him. He has lots of great stories. He makes history come to life. It’s like really being there. We are studying the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution. It’s really interesting learning about the people that stuck their necks out so we could have freedom.
Things got complicated during the first month of school. I don’t know if it’s because it was really hot that summer, that tempers flared and people got frustrated. But I was caught up in the times and listened very closely to what everyone was saying about this being wrong and that being wrong and that God being kicked out of schools was why school shootings were happening and gangs and all the bad stuff was happening. People talked about when schools had prayer in the morning and everyone said the pledge of allegiance and sang God Bless America.
They all said,
“Back then schools were safe because God was there to protect the kids, but now that God has been kicked out, there isn’t anyone to protect the kids from the bad things of the world.”
I asked,
“Why God was kicked out?”
And everyone had the same answer.
“It’s that Damned Anti-Christian Liberties Union. The ACLU that done it. They take every school that prays to court and that stupid supreme court makes school kids stop praying.”
I asked,
“Why does the supreme court care about us kids praying?”
They said,
“It was because of some stupid thing about separation of church and state, which ain’t even in the Constitution.”
And lastly I would ask,
“Why ain’t someone done something about it if it ain’t in the constitution?”
And the answer was always the same,
“You can’t fight the government and win.”
Yet in History class we are studying the Bill of Rights and the very first amendment is Freedom of Religion.
I ask my teacher,
“Mr. Klause, why can’t we pray in school anymore?”
He says the same things that everyone else is saying.
But then I ask him,
“But Mr. Klause, what about our Freedom of Religion?”
He says,
“The courts deem a school part of the government and therefore no religion can be practiced in it.”
Then I ask him,
“Where does it say just because I am in a government building that I am not allowed to practice my religion?”
He tells me,
“The courts interpret the first part of the Freedom of Religion Rights as meaning separation of church and state and that anything state can’t have anything religion.”
But I look at him and say,
“But Mr. Krause, It don’t say that. It says that Government can’t establish a Religion, it don’t say that Government can’t practice religion. Isn’t practice of religion our Freedom of Religion Right?”
He looks at me and smiles,
“Joshua, that is what Christians and many other people of faith have been trying to tell our leaders for years. The First Amendment wasn’t written to create a separation of church and state, but for the protection of God and Country.”
And the bell rings and class is over.
At same time as I am studying the Bill of Rights in school, in church Pastor John is preaching about Christians should stand up for what’s right like all the apostles did. All of them except John were martyred and John would have been but they couldn’t kill him cause he hadn’t written the book of Revelations yet. Sister Althea in Sunday School is teaching about the Garden of Eden and what life was like before Adam sinned. And at home in our family reading and devotions we are reading about the prophet Isaiah in preaching to everyone about their lack of God in their lives. And something was forming in my head with all this input happening at same time. Something really weird. But it was there and I couldn’t shake it.
In school, Mr. Klause gave us a History Project to do. We are to take any one of the Amendments of the Bill of Rights and demonstrate it to the class. We have two weeks to get it ready. At church, Pastor John is preaching stand up and be counted. At home, reading Isaiah about taking up Gods cause and spreading the word. Then it happened. I read Chapter 20 of the book of Isaiah and things clicked in my head. God’s telling Isaiah to take a stand in a very unusual way. Along with Sister Althea’s teaching about the innocence and purity of the communion with God in the Garden of Eden. Along with Pastor John’s sermons about taking a public stand for God and not backing down. Along with Mr. Klause’s project about taking a Constitutional Right and demonstrate it. And lastly the towns’ people blaming everything on Government and the ACLU for kicking God out of schools all came together in my head gave me an idea. It gave me a very weird and dangerous idea.
That Sunday after church I went to see Pastor John. I told him I needed to talk to him about something really important, so we went to his office.
“Ok, Joshua, what’s so important?”
“Pastor John, Remember when you preach to us to take a stand and not back down?”
“Yes Joshua.”
“Well what if everyone hates you for doing it?”
“Josh, as long as God is in it then does it really matter who hates you?”
“Well no, but I don’t want you and mom and dad hating me.”
“Josh, Your parents will never hate you, no matter what and I have known you your whole life, and You’re not the kind of boy that could ever do anything that would make me hate you.”
“But Pastor, what if I do. What if God wants me to do something that the whole church will say is wrong of me to do?”
“Josh, what’s the Bible say about it?”
“It’s in the Bible and God said to do it.”
“Then Josh, there isn’t any way, that I nor anyone else in this church will get mad if you do what the Bible says to do.”
“I don’t know Pastor. I’m still worried that this is something that you will get mad about.”
“Well Josh, tell me what it is and I’ll tell you right now.”
“Sorry Pastor, this is between me and God right now.”
“Okay, Josh, but if you want to talk about it, then come and see me ok?”
“Ok”
Next I talked to my parents.
“Mom, Dad, I talked to Pastor John about something I gotta do for school.”
“That’s nice Josh.” Mom replied.
“So, what’s this something you gotta do?” Dad asks getting to the point.
“It’s just a project for History class, but it’s something that will probably get me in trouble.”
“Get you in trouble. Then you can’t do it” Mom says.
“What kind of trouble Josh?” Dad asks.
“Well, the kind of trouble that gets me kicked outta school and maybe arrested.”
“Then absolutely not. Don’t do anything like that.” Both say together.
“But, it’s something I think God wants me to do.”
Silence. They look at each other not knowing what to say.
Dad asks,
“What did Pastor John say.” Dad asks.
“He said to do what God says to do and that him and the church won’t get mad at me for doing it.”
“Josh. What is it you planning on doing?” Dad asks.
“I can’t tell you that yet. God is still working on me to do it or not and if I tell you, you will say no even if God tells me to do it.”
“Josh, God won’t tell you to do something that is wrong.” Dad says.
“Ya, I know, but He does tell people to do stuff that’s illegal or will get them in trouble or arrested, like He told the apostles to do.”
“Oh!” Mom says.
“But Josh, you’re still just a kid and God isn’t going to have you do something that is dangerous or get you arrested.” Dad says.
“Why not? Pastor John says that we are supposed to take a stand and not back down if it’s for God. So, if I do and get in trouble for it, then isn’t that just satan trying to make me back down from doing what God wants me to do?”
“Josh, I really don’t have a answer for that one. We just both want you to be safe and not get into trouble.” Mom says.
“Will you both still love me if I do get into big trouble?”
“Yes.” They both say at same time.
“You sure. You will love me if I get into trouble at school.”
“Josh, we will always love you no matter what.” Mom Says.
“Josh, no matter what son. Just make sure that whatever it is you are planning is worth the trouble you are going to get into.” Dad says.
“Uh, Josh? We aren’t talking about anything violent are we?” Dad asks.
“Oh no. Nothing violent. God wouldn’t want me to do anything like that. It’s more like something silly or weird.”
“OK son, just be careful and sure it’s what God wants not something you are cooking up. OK.” Mom says.
“Ok, thanks. I love you both.”
“We love you too Josh.” Both say together.
Last I talk to Mr. Klause.
“Mr. Klause, I need to talk to you about my project.”
“Okay. Josh, shoot.”
“What if my project gets me in trouble?”
“Joshua, why would a project about your constitutional rights get you in trouble?”
“I don’t know, but I just think this one will.”
“You want to tell me what your project is so I can give you some advice if it will get you into trouble or not?”
“I’d rather not talk about what it is. OK?”
“Yes, Joshua, that’s ok, but I won’t be able to tell you for certain if your project is going to cause trouble or not.”
“Yes, sir, I know.”
“Joshua, the best I can say is, do you believe that your project is covered by one of the amendments in the Bill of Rights?”
“Yes sir, I know it is, but I’m not sure you will think it’s covered.”
“Oh, I see. Then you’re not sure that just because you have the right, that I or others will agree to you having the right?”
“Yes, sir, exactly.”
“Well Joshua, you would be in good company. Lots of good people had the right to free speech but got arrested for it. Lots of people had the right to assembly, but got arrested for it. Journalists sometimes get arrested for what they print, even though they have freedom of the press.”
“I guess what I am getting at is if it’s worth getting into trouble to have your freedom?”
“Joshua, only you can decide that question. Just like everyone before you that fought for their rights, had to decide for themselves if the trouble was worth the freedom.”
“Well I guess I gotta think about this more and maybe pray more to.”
“Joshua, you can’t go wrong with either one of those. Good luck with your decision. But you only have a few more days till your project is due.”
“Yes, Mr. Klause, I know. That’s why I’m asking everyone for help in making my decision, but I guess it’s still up to me isn’t it?”
“Yes, Joshua, it’s yours and only your decision to make.”
“Thanks Mr. Klause.”
With that, I spend the next few days, praying and thinking, and reading my Bible and reading my history book to make sure what I am going to do is right, both historically and religiously. Sunday during altar call I go forward and ask for prayer. Pastor John and two deacons and my dad come up and lay hands on me and pray for me. I get peace from God that what I am about to do is what He wants me to do, but I’m still scared of what everyone will think when I do it. With Monday comes the week that our projects are due. Beginning of History class Mr. Klause asks me if I’m ok with my project and I tell him not really. Mr. Klause then starts calling on people to present their projects. Most of the projects were about freedom of speech with each kid giving a grand speech about what they thought was wrong with school. One boy had a newspaper with him where he wrote an editorial and got it printed in the newspaper for his project of freedom of the press. Then the bell rang and out of time for today. Tuesday the same thing. Mr. Klause asked me if I’m ready and I say no and lots of other kids give their projects. Same thing happens Wednesday, with the exception that after class Mr. Klause calls me to his desk and tells me,
“Joshua, Only 2 of you left so tomorrow ready or not, you will have to give your project.”
I tell him ok and leave. We go to church that night and I go forward again and tell God how scared I am. Pastor John comes and talks with me and asks me,
“Joshua, You still looking to know what God wants you to do?”
“No Pastor. I know what God wants me to do.”
“I’m confused then. Why are you here at the altar?”
“Because I’m scared to do it.”
“Oh.”
“Pastor, I’m scared that everyone will laugh at me, and get mad at me, and have me arrested and hate me.”
“Joshua, if you are looking for God to take away the fear, He isn’t going to do that. God is waiting to see if you will do what’s right through the fear. God wants us to trust in Him to walk with us through our troubles.”
“Ya, but it’s so hard.”
“Yes, I know Josh. But that’s what faith is all about.”
“Even if it makes everyone here at church hate me.”
“Yes Josh even if that happened, but believe me, we aren’t going to hate you.”
“Yes, you and everyone else are, but I guess if that’s what God wants then I have to do it. Don’t I?”
“Yes Josh. If you are going to obey God then you have to do what He says do. You are certain that whatever this is, is what God wants you to do?”
“Oh yes. No doubt about it.”
“Then Joshua, all it leaves is for you to go like David with His slingshot and Conquer your Goliath.”
“Yes, I think you’re right. Fear or no fear I gotta do it. Don’t I! Thanks Pastor John.”
With that I meet my parents at the back of the church and we drive home. On the way I explain that I am giving my history project tomorrow and that they will probably get a call from school and have to come talk to the principal. So if they want to save some time they could just be there at the end of school in the office and wait for me to get in trouble. They both look at me funny but don’t say anything. The rest of the drive home is quiet and when I get home I go straight to my room and to bed.
Next Morning I wake up to the smell of bacon frying. Mom is up and cooking breakfast, on a school morning? How unusual? Usually its just cheerios for breakfast because we are all to busy getting ready for school and work.
“Good Morning Joshua.” States my dad.
“Good Morning dear, ready for bacon and eggs?” asks my mom.
“Yes please.” I reply.
“Ready for your big day?” Asks dad.
“Ummmmmmm not really but it’s here and nothing now but to do it.”
“Everything will be ok honey.” Mom says.
“Ok. What’s going on and who are you people?” I ask.
“Nothing is going on dear.” Mom states.
“We are just trying to give you some support son.” Dad says.
“Oh. Thanks.” I reply.
“Joshua you have our full support. We know you won’t do anything stupid or dangerous.” Mom says.
“Well, the not dangerous part is right, but I’m not so sure about the stupid part.” I say.
“Oh and how’s that?” Dad asks.
“Well, I talked to Pastor last night and I’m going through with my history project like God wants me to do it. So, it definitely ain’t dangerous or anything. No ones gonna get hurt. But remember the story of Balaam and his talking donkey? I sorta feel like that. I’m going to do something really stupid but I know it’s what God wants me to do for some reason.”
“Joshua, if you know it’s what God wants you to do then you better do it, even if it’s silly or stupid. God is God and even if we don’t understand why He wants us to do certain things, He has a plan and it’s our duty to obey.” Dad tells me.
“Ya, I know. That’s why I decided to do it, but I’m so scared.” I say.
“Honey, why you scared of doing God’s work?” Mom asks.
“Because, I’m afraid everyone at school will laugh at me and that I’ll get in really big trouble and mostly that you won’t love me anymore.” I say almost crying.
“Honey, there isn’t anything that will ever stop your dad and me from loving you.” Mom says.
“Joshua, you worrying about this tells us both that you are serious and not pulling some boyish prank. So no matter what, we are both with you and will support your decision completely. Understood?” Dad says.
“Yes. Thanks. I love you both so much.” I reply.
“We love you too son.” They both say together.
I finish mom’s great breakfast. Sort of a Last Supper except it’s breakfast. I laugh to myself as I think of the comparison. Gathering my books and bookbag I meet mom at the car and we drive to school. She chit chats about all kinds of stuff as I sit quietly thinking about what I gotta do today. When we get to school I lean over and give her a kiss and tell her I love her one more time and walk up the walk to my doom.
First, second and third bells go by so fast that I don’t remember anything that was taught. Fourth bell lunch I meet some of my friends Trevor, Dylan and Mandy and we sit together.
“So you ready dude?” Trev asks.
“Ya, I guess so.” I reply.
“So you gonna tell us what you gonna do?” Mandy asks.
“Nope. You’se guys just gotta find out with everyone else.” I say.
“Dude that’s bogus. We’re your bestest friends. You should tell us at least.” Dylan says.
“Can’t sorry. It’s gotta be total surprise or it won’t work and if Mr. Klause hears what I’m gonna do then he’ll stop me before I get to give my project.” I state.
“Dude, you know we won’t tell no one.” Trev says.
“Ya I know but something like this will get out if anyone but me and God knows it.” I say.
“Whoa, This is gotta be big.” Dylan says.
“Ya” both Trev and Mandy say together.
Bell rings and lunch is over and we all leave to go to fifth period class saying that we will see each other again in seventh period for my big project. Fifth period and sixth period are both blurs. They seem to have passed by so fast. At the end of sixth period I head to the lockers to change out of my PE uniform and shower and get ready for history class. After my shower I start to get dressed leaving off my socks and underwear. Just putting on what I have to put on, T-shirt, shorts and sneakers. Gathering my courage I leave the lockers and go to last period and my doom. Entering history class Mr. Klause meets me at the door and asks,
“Joshua, you ready?”
“Yes sir, as ready as I’m ever gonna be.”
“Ok then. I’ll call Jennifer first to give her project and then it will be your turn. I’m expecting something special from your project with all the questions you have had about it. Hope I’m not disappointed.”
“Oh, I don’t think there’s much chance of you being disappointed. I just hope I survive the day.” I reply with a weak smile as I go in to take my seat.
Sure enough right after role, Mr. Klause calls up Jennifer to give her project. I didn’t hear a word she said. I sit with my head down, the whole time, looking over my notes and trying to build up my courage.
“Mr. Trent.”
“Mr. Trent.”
I hear something in the background. Oh my God, It’s my name being called. I look up and everyone in class is looking at me. I wonder how long Jennifer has been done and Mr. Klause has been calling my name. Too late to think about that now.
“Ahhhhhhh Yes sir. I’m ready.”
I grab my note cards and walk to the front of the class. Everyone in class is looking at me. Mr. Klause has a seat at the back of the classroom so he can watch and grade me. I have always hated talking in front of the class and today is terrifying. But nuthin for it now but to begin and get it over with. A quick prayer to God for help and I start.
“I have chosen the First Amendment for my project and specifically the Freedom of Religion clause which reads, ‘Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof;’. “
“I think most of us would agree that the first part of that amendment would be bad. None of us want the government to make any one religion the national religion. We don’t want Mormon as the one and only religion or Catholic as the one and only religion or even Baptist as the one and only religion. This part of the Freedom of Religion Amendment is good. It lets us all have our own religion or no religion as we wish. It’s the second part of the Freedom of Religion Amendment that I want to use as my project demonstration.”
“It says ‘or the prohibiting the free exercise thereof;”.
“That means Freedom to practice your religion. I think everyone understands that this lets individuals practice whatever religion they choose. I can be a Baptist and someone else can be a Catholic and someone else can be an Atheist. But it also means groups have the Freedom of religion. Baptists can be Baptists, can group together and practice their religion as a group anywhere. The same with all the other religions. It even means that Atheists can group together and proclaim there is no God. But this Freedom doesn’t only mean religious groups like Catholics, Mormons and Baptists, but any group of people can get together and practice religion, like in congress. Congress has chaplains. Congressmen and Senators get together and have prayer breakfasts and prayer meetings and other religious gatherings in the Capital Building. When a President is inaugurated, it is done at the capital Building and there are lots of preachers and the Bible and prayers and oaths taken in God’s name. It is all legal because of the Freedom of Religion Amendment. But, even though God is allowed in the Capital Building, and the Supreme Court Building and the White House, He is forbidden to come into our schools. Very bad people have forced God out of our school. As a result we kids no longer have His protection. The devil is in here and we see kids shooting kids and we see gang bangers beating up kids and we see rapes and molestation’s happening in schools everywhere. I don’t want any of that bad stuff happening in my school. When Mr. Klause gave us this project I asked God what can I do to get HIM back in my school so He can protect us and he gave me a Bible passage to read. I have read it over and over and over again. God keeps telling me to do exactly like the Prophet Isaiah did. Isaiah is the greatest of all the prophets. In the Bible, everytime, Jesus preached in the synagogue, He preached from the book of Isaiah. Now God wants me to use Isaiah as an example to demonstrate the Freedom of Religion Amendment and get God back in this school. I know if I do this, that I’m in Big, Big trouble. I have talked to Mr. Klause and my Pastor and my mom and dad and they all say that if it’s the right thing to do then do it. But I’m still scared. I have no choice in this though. It is my assignment for this class and it’s my duty to obey God. So I will do as Isaiah once did and continue to use his example for my demonstration until God is once again allowed into Liberty Middle School and we have morning prayer and say the Pledge of Allegiance and maybe sing God Bless America.”
“Ok, enough stalling.” I whisper to myself. Take a deep breath and then continue.
“Isaiah Chapter 20 reads, ‘The Lord Spoke to Isaiah the son of Amoz, saying, Go and loose the sackcloth from off your loins”
As I read I pull my T-shirt up and off.
“and put off thy shoe from your feet.”
Then I kick off my shoes.
“Mr. Trent.” I hear from the back of the room as Mr. Klause calls my name. Heads of my classmates turn to look at Mr. Klause.
“Don’t do it Josh.” Mr. Klause says as I grab hold of my shorts and pull them down and step out of them while everyone is still looking back.
“And he did so, walking naked and barefoot for three years as a sign and a wonder.’”
I finish reading the scripture standing totally naked in front of my classmates which have now turned back around and see me in all my glory.
“And as Isaiah, I will stay naked until Mr. Hanley, the school superintendent the Supreme Court or whoever has to make the decision brings God back into Liberty Middle School.”
I did it. I finished my project. Looking around, girls are giggling and guys are staring and Mr. Klause is walking to the front of the class where I am.
“Ok Joshua, You made your point. Now put your clothes back on.” Mr. Klause is saying as he gets near me.
“I can’t. I made a promise to God and now I gotta stay naked until God is back in school.”
“Joshua, listen to me. This is serious. You have to put your clothes back on. Parents are going to scream for someone’s head over this and you will probably go to jail. If you put your clothes back on, then maybe I can ease this over and you at least won’t get arrested.”
“I can’t Mr. Klause. You taught us to stand up for our Constitutional Rights. If there are consequences then there are consequences.”
Kids in class start talking loud and making jokes about me being naked and how little my manhood is.
“Quiet! Right now! No more talking. Not a word.” Mr. Klause says loudly as he stares down everyone in class. Then he turns back to me.
“Josh, please, this is your last chance. Put your clothes back on.”
“Sorry Mr. Klause but I can’t. Now that I have started this I gotta finish it.”
“Ok. I understand but you really don’t know how bad this thing can get. Ok. Get your clothes and books and come with me to Mr. Hanley’s Office.”
Mr. Klause turns back toward the class and says.
“Everyone of you. Not a word. Get your books out and read chapter 9. Mrs. Conkle across the hall will be monitoring you while I’m gone and I don’t want any talking, giggling or mischief from any of you. Do you understand me?”
“Yes Mr. Klause.” The class says together.
Turning to me Mr. Klause says,
“Finish gathering your stuff and meet me in the hallway.”
Before I could say anything he was out the door on his way to Mrs. Conkle’s class to talk to her. I got my clothes together and stuffed them in my backpack and then my books, while everyone in class was watching me. It’s really weird being naked in front of lots of clothed people. It’s nuthin like being naked in the boys lockeroom with the other guys. I finish getting my stuff together and start for the door to the hall as some of my classmates start giving me a thumbs up and whispering “way to go Josh.” Just as I get out in the hallway, here comes Mr. Klause with Mrs. Conkle in tow heading for the classroom I just left. As she walks past me she gives me a weird look like she just smelled something nasty. Behind me I can hear Mr. Klause reading my classmates the riot act on behavior while he is gone. In front of me I see first one head and then two and then lots of people in Mrs. Conkle’s class looking out and seeing me naked in the hallway. Very quickly I see both doorways full of people staring at me. Then before I know it, two boys dash across the hall to me and whisper,
“Dude, what’s going on? Why you nakers?”
“History project. God wants back in school and this is how He intends to get back in.”
They look at me strange, not understanding what I just said but hearing Mrs. Conkle finish talking to the class dash back across the hall and duck back into their classroom before getting caught. Soon, Mrs. Conkle, wearing that nasty smell look again and Mr. Klause emerge and it’s time for me to march to the Principals office. Mr. Klause doesn’t say a word all the way there. We pass a hall monitor that looks totally stunned when seeing me walk past naked as the day I was born. When we reach the school office and enter, everyone stops what they are doing and mouths drop. You would think they never saw a naked kid before. Looking past the long counter I see Mr. Hanley’s door open and mom sitting in a chair. She takes one look at me and screams,
“Joshua!”
As we enter the Principals office, a place no boy ever wants to be, mom is talking a mile a minute into the air.
“What’s this? Why’s my son naked? What kind of pervs you got at this school? Etc etc etc etc etc”
“Mom”
“MOM” I yell.
She stops and looks at me.
“Mom, I took my clothes off. No one made me. Mr. Klause ain’t a perv mom.”
“Well someone better start explaining what’s going on and fast.” Mom exclaims.
With that Mr. Klause motions for me to take a seat across from Mr. Hanley and he starts explaining what took place in class. When he finishes he looks at me and says,
“Josh, excellent presentation. You made your point very well. Sorry that you end up here but consequences are consequences.” Then gives me a wink.
“Ok. I need to get back to my class. It’s in sort of a disarray right now. Joshua can answer all your questions and I don’t think we need to worry about him lying. Anyone who goes to this extreme to get his point across isn’t going to lie about the particulars. Right Mr. Trent?” He asks me.
“No sir. I’ll tell them anything they wanna know.”
With that Mr. Klause leaves and I’m left there across from Mr. Hanley who looks like he is about to explode.
“Okay Mr. Trent. Enough of this foolishness. Put your clothes back on, now.” Mr. Hanley states very firmly.
“Sorry sir, but I can’t. I made a promise to God and I can’t not do it now.” I try to explain.
“That son is a bunch of crap and both you and I know it. You’re pulling a stupid prank, probably because of some dare, and you like the attention you’re getting and think just because your mom is here that everything is going to be ok. Well Mr. Trent. It’s not ok. I can suspend you or expel you from school and I can call the police and have you arrested. Is your little prank worth going to jail for Mr. Trent?” Mr. Hanley threatens.
“It’s not a prank. It’s part of my history assignment and now it’s part of my First Amendment Rights of Religion.” I plead.
“What the Hel…..…eck are you talking about. You haven’t got any Constitutional rights. You’re a minor and you do what you are told. I have half a mind to just call the police and let them deal with you.” Mr. Hanley threatens some more.
“Go ahead. See what happens. I’ll be on CNN and you will have reporters from all over the world asking you questions.” I get mad and respond.
“See there Mrs. Trent. I told you. It’s all about attention. Your son wants to be on TV.” Mr. Hanley tells my mom with a “I win” smile on his face.
“No mom, it ain’t that at all. I want to obey God and God wants back in school.” I plead some more.
Mr. Hanley explains to me like I’m stupid.
“Mr. Trent, there can’t be any religious practices in schools because the Supreme Court ruled they are unconstitutional.”
I fire back,
“The Supreme Court is wrong. The First Amendment very clearly says that all of us have the right to practice our religion anyplace.”
Mr. Hanley explodes.
“You stupid kid. All you 6th graders are alike. You think you know more than adults. There is such a thing as Separation of Church and State that you know nothing about. And it’s really bad of you to bring God into your prank. That’s just wrong. Admit it, you don’t know anything about what God wants. You’re just a stupid kid.”
“Now wait just one minute.”
Mom jumps in.
“First you call my son stupid. I like for you to know he’s an honors student. Then you tell him he don’t know anything about God. I’ll let you know he can beat you at any competition about the knowledge of God. Don’t you ever put my son down. This isn’t any prank. He has been beating himself up for two weeks about this project. He has talked with both his dad and me and we both told him go for it. He talked to our Pastor many times and He told him to go for it. And he talked to his teacher who told him to go for it. So don’t you tell me my son is a stupid prankster that wants attention. He is God’s servant doing what God wants him to do and if you have a problem with that then I’ll get a lawyer and just see who laughs last.”
“Now, Now Mrs. Trent. No need to get excited. I didn’t mean your son was personally stupid just that what he has done is the wrong way to do it. I don’t want you to do anything rash that might make things worse than what they already are. We can work this out.” As Mr. Hanley tries to apologize.
“That’s better. Josh’s dad and I didn’t know he was going to go naked in class, but we do support him and what he is trying to accomplish.” She says to Mr. Hanley.
To me she asks,
“Josh, are you sure you want to go through with this?”
“I have to mom. I told God I would. The hard part is already done. Taking my clothes off in front of my whole class was terrifying. Now I just got to stay naked and wait and see what God does with it.”
“Ok. Josh, then naked you stay until you decide God is satisfied.”
Turning back to Mr. Hanley.
“I’m taking Josh home now. Let us know what you plan to do and we will decide our response.”
“But Mrs. Trent. You can’t really mean you are going to let your son go naked?”
“Yes. Mr. Hanley I do mean just that. And furthermore I plan on bringing him to school on Monday for a full day of school. Whether or not he is naked or clothed will be up to you. Reinstate God in this school and Joshua will be clothed. It’s in your hands how long this goes on.”
Mr. Hanley looks at me then my mom and says,
“Well I’ll have to call the school superintendent and he will have to call an emergency board meeting and that all takes time.”
My mom looks at Mr. Hanley while standing up and says,
“That sir is up to you. As for us we will serve the Lord. Give me a call when you gentlemen have made your decision.”
Mom looks at me and asks,
“Got all your stuff?” I nod. “Good, then let’s get out of here.”
With that I stand up and follow my mom out of Mr. Hanley’s office and out of the school office with people staring at my naked butt as I walk past.
“Mom, you’re going the wrong way.”
“I parked in the back, because of the buses lining up in front.”
“MOM!” I yell. “I forgot. Look at the clock. The bell rings in about 30 seconds and this hall will have hundreds of kids in it.”
“She looks at the clock and me and says,
“Then lets get a move on Kido.”
And she starts running down the hall towards the back doors with me following close behind. Just as we clear the doors the bell rings and hundreds of kids break out of their classrooms with going home on their minds. We just make it to the car when the first kids come through the school doors and see my naked butt trying to get in the car. I see some of them pointing and calling friends to see the sight of naked me. In the car I get and off we go towards home and I break out into hysterical laughter.
“What’s so funny Josh?” Mom asks.
“You, running down the hall. I can hear Mr. Hanley yelling, ‘No running in the halls.”
With that mom starts laughing too.
After a bit my laughing slows down and I tell mom,
“Thanks”
She asks,
“What for?”
“For standing up for me in there. Thanks a lot. I really do love you.”
Mom tries to reply through teary eyes,
“Honey, I love you more than anything and today you proved that you are worth loving even more, for standing up for yourself, for what’s right and for God.”
“Mom, you really did look funny running in the hall. I never knew you could run so fast.”
“There’s a lot about your mom you don’t know kido.” She replied.
