Is Faster Necessarily Better?

I have followed Oprah Winfrey for many years now. I always admired her willingness to tackle tough issues that some of her colleagues considered too hot to handle. When she created Oprah's Book Club, she started a sensation that got reluctant adult readers to explore the world of literature with new eyes. Now that her daily television show has ended, I was excited to see the Book Club re-invented as an online experience for book lovers.

One of my biggest personal complaints about reading is that I don't read as quickly as I would like. If a book is more than 250 pages, I can almost guarantee that it will take me longer than a week to get through it. When I received the latest email from Oprah's Book Club with an article entitled "6 Ways to Read Faster", I was intrigued. As I read on, I couldn't believe my eyes.

In a nutshell, "6 Ways to Read Faster" outlined the portions of a book to skip! Essentially, certain portions were considered unimportant, irrelevant, and a waste of time. I was mortified! As an artist, I find this idea insulting. The gifted craftsman who constructed the book carefully chose each word because of its significance and the imagery it generates.

Now the question becomes if speed (in reading or any other endeavor) is preferable to accuracy and integrity. In the world of reading, if the ideas presented on the page are not worth your full attention, I am certain that you can find something else that IS! Why would anyone want to waste their time reading material that is not applicable to them when shelves are lined with quality writing in all disciplines? I know that there are those of you who will argue that reading for pleasure doesn't demand the same type of attention as reading for knowledge. I respectfully disagree. In order to fully appreciate the tale the author is spinning, we must allow ourselves to be fully engulfed in the language and imagination that is being shared. Skipping portions is essentially taking a pair of scissors to the Mona Lisa and eliminating her famous smile because it is not significant!

I suppose I can come down from my soap box now....and dive back into the book I'm reading.

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What's in a Name?

I tend to avoid being in large groups with people I don't know. I enjoy meeting new people, but situations like these always result in embarrassment for me because I am absolutely HORRIBLE learning people's names. I hate feeling that I know a lot about a person but cannot remember what to call them. You can imagine how frustrating this is in work situations. I work for a church and need to know who people are; as a professor, calling a student by name communicates that I am interested in their progress and value them as an individual.

Our name shares with the world our identity. I was named after two ministers who were important in my parents' lives early in their faith journey -- Kennith Staggs and Terrell Bishop. While I rarely use my middle name, I am reminded of the role that faith has played in my life since the beginning. (It's a family joke that my name was originally going to be Barbara Beth since the doctors were expecting a little girl! Still, the influence of these two families were to be memorialized through my name.)

As we mature and develop, our names become synonymous with our reputation. Depending upon the circle where my name is mentioned, it may bring to mind thoughts of a gifted pianist, tough teacher, worship leader, or cherished fraternity brother. Those closest to me may also use nicknames for me -- terms of endearment (mostly) that are reminders of our shared connection. I take pride in most of my nicknames and laugh at the memories of how they came to be. While family members refer to me as "Kenbo" and "Uncle Ken", college friends will refer to me as "Ken-eye-eth" (spelled KennIth), "Kennith with an I" and "Grandma." So there's no mistake, there are also some not-so-complimentary nicknames as well; some of them (that I'm aware of, at least) include "Queen of Nag" and "Hitler." Despite the negative connotations, I still take a certain amount of pride in them.

As I continue to struggle to learn the names of my students this semester, I am reminded of how important it is that I know my own name as a child of God! My Heavenly Father calls me beloved.....more than a conqueror......redeemed......joint heir with Christ. How I long today to walk in a full understanding of who He says I am. I hope to live my life in a way that allows the name Kennith Freeman to invoke thoughts of compassion, kindness, and genuine love to those I meet. Along the way, I hope to develop deeper relationships with other people as we learn each other's names (no matter how slowly!) and develop a personal meaning for each other's name.

"Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere."

On this national holiday celebrating the life and contribution of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., I had intended to remain silent on this blog. Raised in the South, I have learned of Dr. King's accomplishments and respected his commitment to equality for all. However, as a white man, I felt there was little I could add to the conversation.

Most of us are familiar with Dr. King's "I Have a Dream" speech delivered in Washington, D.C. It was in my minority literature class at Pepperdine University that I was first moved by what I consider an amazing piece of American letters:  Dr. King's Letter from a Birmingham Jail (1963).  While the letter is rather lengthy -- a fact King himself admits at the document's conclusion -- it is well worth the time to read. Dr. King clearly points out the reasoning for his involvement in the non-violent protests that have occurred throughout the South. The title of today's post is one of my favorite quotes from this letter that is made all the more amazing as we realize it was written without the aid of reference materials to develop Dr. King's argument. These arguments were part of the very fiber of his being.

Since I'm not confident that many reading this blog will invest the time to read this important letter (sorry....I'm just being honest!), allow me to point out a portion that occurs as Dr. King is approaching the climax of the letter.  While written in 1963, I think that it is something that the Christian community of 2013 would do well to consider.  Here are Dr. King's powerful words:

There was a time when the church was very powerful--in the time when the early Christians rejoiced at being deemed worthy to suffer for what they believed. In those days the church was not merely a thermometer that recorded the ideas and principles of popular opinion; it was a thermostat that transformed the mores of society. Whenever the early Christians entered a town, the people in power became disturbed and immediately sought to convict the Christians for being "disturbers of the peace" and "outside agitators."' But the Christians pressed on, in the conviction that they were "a colony of heaven," called to obey God rather than man. Small in number, they were big in commitment. They were too God-intoxicated to be "astronomically intimidated." By their effort and example they brought an end to such ancient evils as infanticide and gladiatorial contests. Things are different now. So often the contemporary church is a weak, ineffectual voice with an uncertain sound. So often it is an archdefender of the status quo. Far from being disturbed by the presence of the church, the power structure of the average community is consoled by the church's silent--and often even vocal--sanction of things as they are.

Powerful, profound, convicting words for us to consider as we think back over our nation's history while examining its current situation and praying for a better tomorrow.

A Rough Start......

I didn't think that getting keys to my classroom would be such a saga. I've been trying to obtain them for two days and still haven't had any success. It almost feels as though the "powers that be" are conspiring against me - LOL!

It all began Monday morning. My first class of the semester was scheduled to begin at 8am. I was expected to get keys last week at adjunct orientation (which is a total waste of time in my opinion since the content has been exactly the same for 6 semesters in a row), but was out of pocket due to a rehearsal I had previously committed to.  I didn't think it would be a big deal.....I showed up in the office at 7:30 to sign in for my keys. At 7:55, I finally had to ask a colleague to unlock the door to my classroom. The single person who can issue keys still had not arrived on campus by the end of my class.

My Tuesday class is in the evening. I realized that given the potential for ice and the fact that the lone authorized key agent was a day-time employee, I should probably head to campus to get the key. Before leaving my house at 10:30, I checked the college's website to make sure there was no announcement of plans to close early. I pull onto campus just before 11 and discover a ghost town, but the buildings are still unlocked. I go to the academic office to find the lights out and the doors sealed shut. As I return to my car, I learn that the campus was closed at 11am (the only way I knew what was going on was thanks to the plasma television -- educational funds hard at work -- flashing announcements).

Is it a big deal? Not really. Is it inconvenient?  Definitely. The beginning of a new semester is always inconvenient.....so that's nothing new. I understand why the keys are turned in at the end of each semester. Honestly, I'm really not upset.....it's just been a rough start to another semester (that I really haven't been looking forward to) and it seems as though nothing is going smoothly yet. I guess I've just been thrown off-kilter by the ragged schedule that will be interrupted again with the MLK holiday on Monday. I just need a stable routine.......then I won't be so cranky in a few days.

Now I think I'm going to crawl back in bed (at 6pm) and see if rolling out on the OTHER side will improve what's left of my day.  Happy Hump Day, y'all!

Control Freak Craziness!

Controlling people grate on my nerves.  You know the type I'm talking about.....their idea is the only valid option.....if things aren't done as they had envisioned, it will be trashed (or in the least trash-talked). In my world, I find myself working with "control freaks" on a regular basis. Even though it drives me crazy, I've learned to let it roll off of my back -- most of the time, anyway.

Knowing this, it should come as no surprise that this passage from The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky leapt off the page when I read it a few nights ago.

My sister tried to clarify things.  She said that by introducing me to all these great things, Mary Elizabeth gained a "superior position" that she wouldn't need if she was confident about herself.  She also said that people who try to control situations all the time are afraid that if they don't, nothing will work out the way they want.  (Chbosky, 106)

Isn't that interesting? Those who constantly pursue control are pursuing a "superior position" that is merely a perceived authority. It's not just a hunger for power; sometimes it can be an innate need to establish their own self-esteem. Perhaps that explains why so many artistic individuals are such controlling people. As we continuously create and allow the final product to be reviewed by our audience, a bit of our confidence dies with each negative review.

Did you notice that the controller is also constantly trying to introduce others to "great things." The assumption is that these ideas are brand new and could not have been conceived by anyone else. Perhaps a gentle reminder is in order here:  "What has been will be again, what has been done will be done again; there is nothing new under the sun."  (Ecclesiastes 1:9, NIV) I don't have anything else to say on that matter.

Finally, there is a fear of releasing their control. Controlling people are certain that things will not work out if they do not keep a firm grip on the situation...and all of the people involved in it. In my experience, controlling people find themselves shouldering heavy loads because they won't allow anyone else to help and because those who are willing to help quickly run for the hills when the control becomes too oppressive.

I didn't expect to find a leadership lesson hidden in the pages of The Perks of Being a Wallflower, but there it was. I definitely have some things to work on in relation to this issue personally. I also have a better understanding of some situations and can clearly identify the controlling aspects that most cause me to avoid working with these leaders.

Here's to Hoping

The last day of winter break is here. The spring term begins on Monday. It's been a good break and I've gotten some much needed rest. Still, I find myself in an unexpected situation. I'm actually hoping that my night class doesn't make this term!

The night class runs on Tuesday and Thursday evenings 5:30-7:00 and currently has an enrollment of 4 students. As I recall, 8 students are required for the class to go forward. Why do I hope the class gets cancelled? There are a couple of reasons. First of all, I'm tired and the spring is going to be insanely busy! With the production of Noah's Flood at Union in a few weeks, I already know that I will be forced to miss 3 of my night classes -- a fact that is not going to thrill MSCC's administration. I have asked repeatedly that the section be returned to its original Monday evening schedule, but nothing has happened yet. As a performer, blocking out two nights each week makes scheduling interesting, especially when you consider that most of Union's performances occur on Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday evenings!

The other reason that I'm hoping for a semester off from this section is because I need the time. I'm managing all of my work load, but sometimes it gets to be a bit much. By the time the end of the term comes, I feel as though I'm meeting myself coming and going. Just a few months off from the crazy schedule would allow me to catch my breath, address some things in my own life that need my attention, and rest. The lost income will be unfortunate, but at the moment I think my sanity is worth the $1700 I'd miss. Plus, I've been contacted for a couple of short-term gigs that I would REALLY like to commit to this term. The only way that's possible is not having to teach the night class.

For the moment, I just keep watching and hoping. The last day to make changes to student schedules is Friday, January 18. I'll keep praying that students join the morning section (which is at a nice size) and trust that God is going to work everything out for my personal best this semester. He knows what I need.....I'll just trust Him! I'll keep you updated.

Here's to hoping, though......

Teacher's Pet

I have been very fortunate over the years to have done relatively well in school. I tended to be a self-motivated learner and most subjects came easily to me (though I have always struggled in science and foreign languages). Since I made good grades and was normally a compliant student, I was often labeled as the teacher's pet; I'll admit that the title was normally true. As I'm preparing for a new semester of teaching, I have been thinking about the many teachers who have influenced me over the years. Some of them were influential in my choice to pursue a career in higher education because they were excellent teachers. Others shaped my views about the importance of mutual respect between teacher and student as well as giving me lessons in what NOT to do in my classroom. If I had to narrow  it down to just one person, I would have to say that the most influential teacher in my life was Ms. Pierce.

Ms. Pierce was my second grade teacher in the less-than-stellar Crawfordsville Elementary School. Despite the low quality of education that surrounded her, I remember Ms. Pierce's class as a place where her students were always expected to perform at their highest level at all times. It was in Ms. Pierce's class that I was introduced to many of the things that have shaped me throughout my life. One of my fondest memories is visiting the library and being encouraged to read anything that caught my interest.....even if I thought it was something too hard for me. Ms. Pierce became the first teacher to truly encourage me to read as though my life depended on it; she even told me that I could make solo trips to the library (with the hall pass, of course) if I finished reading my book before it was time for the class to visit. It was as a second grader that I was introduced to the magical world that awaited in books and I think I've had my nose in a good book ever since!

The months following Christmas were especially exciting for me. It was 1980 and the Olympic Games were being held in Lake Placid, New York. Ms. Pierce used this current event to teach geography, math, and reading. I remember learning about athletes from Germany, the USSR, and Canada. When the Games finally arrived, part of our homework assignments was to watch some of the television broadcast. I still remember our excitement as my classmates and I followed Eric Haydn's 5 gold medal speed skating victories. We learned about ice hockey and watched with amazement as the Miracle on Ice unfolded before our young eyes. Now that I am older, I realize the depth of Ms. Pierce's commitment to her students as she worked to make sure that there was room in the curriculum for this significant current event. It was in that second grade class in a small Arkansas town that I began to dream about seeing the world and believed it could be a reality for me.

Ms. Pierce was also influential in tearing down barriers of racism and sexism. In a largely African-American school, this gifted teacher was quick to explore differences between black and white students while helping us to realize that we had more in common than we realized. In a city that was racially divided, it was in that classroom that I truly began to make friends of all races who would be part of my educational journey for many years to come. Ms. Pierce was also adamant that her students understand that there was no job assigned solely to a man or a woman. In her class, we all learned to sew a pin cushion for our mother as we followed the recipe's directions to make no-bake cookies. Later, she led us in creating a simple box with wood, hammer and nails. (I still haven't perfected the art of driving a nail straight, but I definitely learned a lot about taking nails OUT of wood with the claw!)

I don't know where Ms. Pierce is these days. Over the years, my family and I lost touch with some of my most influential teachers. What would I say to her today? I'd simply have to say "thank you".....for developing the thirst for knowledge, the love for books, and the positive view of the classroom that has opened so many avenues of possibility to me over the years. Your influence continues today as I strive to pass on this same love of learning to another generation.