Dr. Rhonda Richmond
Trust is a precious gift from God that can be easily damaged, especially when past hurts and misunderstandings cloud our vision. As parents, teachers, and caretakers, we are called to reflect Christ’s love and grace, even in the most challenging situations. I want to share a story about a 6th-grade student named Jack and his math teacher. Both struggled to trust one another because of the beliefs, perceptions, and experiences they carried. Through prayer, patience, and the work of the Holy Spirit, trust was rebuilt, showing how God can heal even the most strained relationships.
Beliefs: Jack’s math teacher believed that accommodations for students with disabilities were unfair. His upbringing instilled in him the idea that hard work alone was the solution to any struggle, and he was taught that emotional disabilities were an excuse. He didn’t realize that, as it says in Romans 12:6, “We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us.” Jack, on the other hand, believed men could not be trusted because his father had been abusive and had abandoned the family. These deep-seated beliefs led Jack to shut down and reject any authority his teacher tried to offer.
But God had other plans. As 1 Samuel 16:7 reminds us, “The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” While both Jack and the teacher were trapped by their beliefs, God was about to change their hearts.
Perceptions: The teacher saw Jack as defiant and lazy, not understanding that his reluctance stemmed from fear and past trauma. Jack, in turn, perceived the teacher as another man who would hurt him emotionally, just as his father had. This conflict between them created a toxic environment in the classroom where they dreaded seeing one another.
Proverbs 18:2 tells us, “Fools find no pleasure in understanding, but delight in airing their own opinions.” Both Jack and his teacher were stuck in their own perceptions, unable to see the truth about each other’s pain. But God was already at work, softening hearts and preparing the way for healing.
Experiences: Jack’s confidence in his math skills had been crushed by previous teachers who told him he wasn’t capable of learning. Those painful experiences left him feeling worthless, doubting the gifts God had given him. Meanwhile, the teacher’s own upbringing in a household that denied emotional struggles shaped his perspective. His experiences reinforced a hardened attitude that disabilities were not to be taken seriously.
But Psalm 34:18 says, “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” Both Jack and his teacher were carrying wounds that only God could heal. Their past experiences shaped their present behavior, but they were not beyond God’s redemptive power.
Rebuilding Trust: The Lord placed me in the classroom with Jack and his teacher, and I knew that His grace would be the bridge between them. I started by changing the classroom dynamics. Instead of isolating students with disabilities at the back of the room, I began moving from table to table to support all students, creating a more inclusive environment. This small change opened the door for Jack to feel less singled out and more like a part of the class.
I also spent time working with the teacher, sharing strategies to help Jack without overwhelming him. Together, we implemented one behavior support strategy at a time, and slowly, Jack’s confidence grew. He began to answer questions in class, and the teacher started to see how much effort Jack was putting in. As we partnered together in this work, God began to change the teacher’s heart. He saw firsthand how hard Jack worked to overcome his challenges, and his belief about disabilities shifted.
2 Corinthians 12:9 tells us, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” God’s grace worked through Jack’s weaknesses, and it softened the teacher’s heart, opening his eyes to see Jack’s true potential. It was not an instant transformation, but with each small victory, trust was rebuilt, and both Jack and his teacher experienced the healing power of God’s love.
The journey of rebuilding trust is not just about changing minds—it’s about changing hearts. When we allow God’s grace to work in our lives, He can transform the most difficult relationships. Just as Jack and his teacher found common ground through patience, prayer, and understanding, we too can seek God’s wisdom in our relationships with our children or students.
Proverbs 3:5-6 says, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” By submitting our beliefs, perceptions, and experiences to God, we allow Him to build trust where it has been broken and to create a space where children can thrive—academically, emotionally, and spiritually.
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