“God blesses those people who are treated badly for doing right. They belong to the kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 5:10-12 (CEV)
Megan’s Story, age 17
I was faced with making a choice and neither option promised success. Tension had been building between our coordinator, Ms. Hamm, and the cheer team. I could stay on as a captain and overlook the growing friction, or utilize my leadership role as a way to speak up for the team.
Turns out, an ultimatum made my decision easy.
Ms. Hamm wasn’t interested in discussing our concerns, let alone finding a solution. Her position was quite clear. I could always turn in my uniform and resign. If I chose to remain on the team, I would yield to her authority and be stripped of my captain status. And if anyone asked, her response would be simple: I had neglected my duties as captain. Ms. Hamm felt sure I needed a day or two to think it over. After all, she chided, “You’d be foolish to throw away your senior year of cheer over a little misunderstanding.” My chin hit the floor! I couldn’t believe what I was hearing! Now my position was clear; I knew just what I had to do. I handed over my resignation and held tight to my principles.
Over the next few days other teammates got fed up and quit the squad, too. I missed finishing the cheer season with my team, but I’ll never regret speaking out for what I knew to be true.
Conversation Starters
1. Megan sacrificed cheer, a sport she loved, to stand up for what was right. Would you have courage to do the same?
2. Considering Megan’s point of view and Ms. Hamm’s perspective, talk through possible compromises.
3. Sometimes people of authority abuse their power. Discuss how yielding to man differs from submission to God.
An Adult Perspective
When I first heard about the ultimatum Megan faced, it was unsettling to realize she would be pressured to make a choice. Megan spent years devoted to cheer and it just didn’t seem fair! In fact it wasn’t, but she didn’t seem to care. Megan chose to give up what she loved, so much of what she was and had worked for, to do the right thing. I was taken back by the wisdom in such a young girl. I was proud to know her; pleased she had chosen the high road! It made me think.
Have my personal choices always mirrored my principles? Do I possess Megan’s courage?
Regrettably, at times my actions have reflected quite the contrary. I can recall situations where I surrendered to peer pressure or kept silent to injustice for purely selfish reasons. Thank goodness our God is forgiving! I guess it’s true. You’re never too old to stop learning from others. I was just surprised she was only seventeen and wearing jeans!
A French Proverb: There is no pillow so soft as a clear conscience.
