j williams

There are times where I wish I had the power to make a huge change, where I can wipe away all the bad and replace it with good…where people would no longer be judged by their past but the present. Where people are given a new chance, a new beginning, a new start. I have a kid – 'J' – he has been marked as a very high "at risk" student. Needless to say, no teacher in their "right" mind would want to take this student into their class. So, when his teacher asked if I could absorb the student for three days – I was a bit scared out of my mind but agreed to it as I am a sucker for not being able to say no. Surprisingly, I didn't see the "at risk" everyone was talking about. This kid, was a super smart kid, respectful with his "Yes ma'ams and No ma'ams", had a beam in his eye and a pep in his step when he was fully engaged in learning. He had his moments but nothing out of the ordinary. So, I offered to have him be transferred into my class to alleviate a co-worker's load.

My request was granted. On Halloween, the transfer took place. It hasn't been the happy ending that I thought it would be. This week has been such a challenge. He has not been in my class since the transfer. Extortion, fighting, and assault held him in the office, at home, and away from me. I haven't had him in my class for more than 1 day since the three day trial period weeks ago. I see what CAN become of this student but outside of my classroom, something unleashes and the poor decisions he makes leads to consequences out of my hands and beyond my control. I've fought so hard for him, viewed as hopeless by others. In any given situation, he is already marked as guilty with a -100. No one can see past his record and no one can view sympathy or empathy toward his side. Not to say that I agree with the decision he made in all his incidences, but can't you just see WHY he did the thing he did? I am not saying dismiss his actions and let him get away with it….but have an understanding for the kid and his daily fight he must go through in order to survive.

Leaving on high notes with him Thursday afternoon with smiles and excitement, I surely thought Friday, yesterday, would mark the day for a new change. It was short-lived as I was brought ill news that he will be home-based for three consecutive days. Cops were called to the school, he was almost charged with assault. Parents were called and kids were taken in offices. None of this happened with my knowledge. I was not called nor was I notified until after all had been taken care of. I am saddened with such deep grief for this kid. He desperately needs prayer. This kid needs protection more than anything. This kid needs people to believe the good that is in him: the good that has been dormant for so long but is still there. It's still there! What I don't want is the devil to take this kid out. I don't want him to be used as another statistic. I don't want him to believe that he cannot fight back or come back. I don't want him to give up and give in to the evil. My heart pleads for his soul. I've come to grips that I cannot save him. I can't no matter how much I desperately want to, I can't. He has to fight but can't we help him fight? Pray for him. Pray for him, for his family, for his soul. I ask if you have a moment, to please pray for J. Williams. I know he can be so much more than what he is now. I know it.

Lord, be with him and let him know that someone out there believes he can change, believes he is good, believes in him. I believe, Jesus, that you have him in Your hands, deliver Him from evil, let him see You. I believe it Lord. I believe it. Help him believe in himself too.