Dear Teacher: A Deeper Look at the Gift of Teaching

I received the instructions to write this book during the COVID-19 pandemic, and I felt that this book was rather out of place for the times we were in, but I obeyed anyway. When I began to write, the Lord spoke so many things to me, but the most interesting thing I heard Him say was "Poor Teacher". This struck me as odd because I did not know why He was saying it, but it became clearer as life during the pandemic unfolded. During the COVID-19 pandemic, one of the things that we, across the world, began to appreciate more was the teacher. This was when things began to become clear and the oddness faded. As a "church kid" I always felt that teachers got the short end of the stick. I watched people celebrate pastors, evangelists, and prophets. They feared apostles but it seemed as if they disregarded teachers. This was always something that I internally questioned. When I became a teacher, I saw such parallels between the teacher in academic settings and in the spirit that it was mind-blowing. I began to see, clearly, the need for teachers to arise. In the same way that there is a shortage of teachers in secular settings, there is also a lack of teachers in the realm of the spirit, more specifically GOOD teachers. This made the instructions I received clearer, but I still felt something was missing. While preparing to write this book, I replayed the words the Lord spoke to me several times over. One day, while having a conversation with one of my mentees, I realized that I heard the Lord wrong. He was not saying "poor teacher", but He was saying "POUR teacher". When I recognized this, there was a settling that took place, and I had a full understanding of the message of the Lord. This caused His words to take on another meaning and that is how this book was birthed. When I realized that THIS is what the Lord was saying, I was excited and blessed. When you look at what it means to pour you can see that it is the opposite of what I originally thought. When you pour something, there is typically a need or desire for what is being poured. Think of this - when you pour juice or water into a cup or vessel it is usually because someone asked for it, someone needs it, or because you're anticipating the needs of others. This in essence, is what teachers do. The book you are about to read will take you on a journey into the world of the teacher. It is full of God-given insight that will aid you in discovering you who are, the burdens you carry, and give you language for your assignment. Dear Teacher, the Father has readied your roster, set up your classroom, and your students have enrolled. Now, He and your students, are waiting on you to pour. Are you willing? Are you ready? Let's take this journey together as we take a closer look at the teaching gift and prepare you to receive your students. Class will soon be in session...get ready to pour