The Glue

Today I had the honor and privilege to go in and visit Cornerstone Crossroads Academy in south Dallas. I gotta tell you, it was really something that made me have faith and believe in the good of people for many reasons and also to know that God uses everyone differently. I guess I didn’t know what to expect when I went in. I think deep down inside I expected that “token” inner city school with disrespectful students who have their backs to the teachers and not listening. I might have subconsciously wondered if the school’s staff that I would meet would be like the kind that only did this because it was a job. Would the school be run down and would I have to fear for my life? Plus, how would these kids from the inner city respond to a white guy who grew up in a seemingly unrelatable background? Not to mention, would they care less about the message I was going to deliver and about my hike and applying Proverbs 3:5 to every aspect of their life? I had no idea. I guess I walked through those school doors needing to learn as much from these students as they need to learn from me…


As I walked through the doors I was greeted with respectful handshakes from each student. I saw students who were actively learning and engaging in their work and not sitting on their desks paying no attention to their teachers. I saw them being focused and not speaking out of turn and with an eagerness to complete the next math question. I was blown away by the respect they had for their teachers. I saw kids that when I asked them questions they answered the best they could instead of ignoring me. When it was time to learn about the Korean War I watched as students volunteered to read out loud and although they made mistakes they were not chastised by their peers. They just kept reading and pushing through even though it was difficult. I saw students who answered the teacher’s questions when asked about General Macarthur and the brave Americans who fought at a heroic battle called Inchon. All of this while being actively engaged in all aspects of the classroom.

I got a chance to hang out with the kids during their break. We threw the football around and shot hoops. It was a great time to get to talk to the kids one on one and see their very unique personalities on display. Its amazing how something so easy as tossing the football around can really bring out the best in someone. I can’t describe it to you. The smile on their faces was priceless. Watching how they interacted with each other you could sense there wasn’t anything to worry about with them and they had each other’s backs. I never once received a smart aleck type retort back from any of the kids. I didn’t sense any of them not wanting to be there. They just seemed happy to be at school.

I got the privilege of meeting Jim Beckett, one of the cofounders of this great school. In getting to talk to him I could see that he has devoted his life to this and that he has done something great for these kids. Without him or his wife, Jane, none of this would have been possible. I think that God put something great in the Becketts to want to start such a great school.

Pastor Chris Simmons, whose church owns the property where this school is located, came out and it was an honor to meet him. His down to earth personality made me feel like these kids are totally blessed to have such a great church and pastor to care for them. It is quite apparent that these kids have someone so great who they can reach out to and who’s leadership can really inspire these students.

Most importantly, I saw the glue of this school. These two people really hold this place together and who are in these children’s lives not because it’s a job but because they care. Kristi and Jill, the two teachers at CCA, really do a phenomenal job with the students. They have really accomplished something so awesome and they should be very proud of who they are and how they can reach these kids. You can tell that they really make a difference in these kids’ lives. They really do. Not only are they teaching these kids classroom material but also giving them the gift of God. These two wonderful ladies instill in these students a sense of pride that they really are going to make something of their young lives. Students who come to CCA with nothing else in life and leave the school with a sense of accomplishment and purpose. It is my true belief that these students are truly blessed to have Kristi and Jill as their teachers. I really think that these two ladies are really making an impact on these students. They should be very proud of what they have done.

I am so grateful that I had the opportunity to go to Cornerstone Crossroads Academy today. And wouldn’t you know it??? They don’t mind if I come back too!!!! WOOHOOOO. I’m there guys! I would like to say thank you to the students, Kristi and Jill, Pastor Chris Simmons, and the Becketts for having me come to their school. I really appreciate this opportunity.