Get behind the eight ball she said, which I had yet to understand. She said

it meant to look ahead to the future. I sat

there contemplating this saying for a while, and as I fell into

a deep slumber my thoughts ran free. Thinking of our future--

followers of the savior Jesus--why can’t we speak of him in

school?

Wanting to scream his name to the heavens, but silence is to be

kept. We pray. Pray for this law to be changed. It works.

Halleluia. We speak about Jesus with joy, no longer having

to be quiet. Several are saved, what a joyous day. This perfect moment

fades as the bell rings. I raise my head from my desk--a tear rolls down my

cheek, still praying in silence.

Hoping, contemplating, asking--will the future ever change?

Staying in my stone cold shell.