U R More

U R More

Are You Okay with Prayer in Schools Now?

We picked up school supplies yesterday. Mask-wearing teachers stood in a row, their faces hidden. That vital connection between student and teacher felt lost in the thick air between our car window and the fabric of her mask. Sam’s best friend tried to climb out of his car so he could feel closer to his friend. His mom told him to get back in.

We are tired of this. Tired of living this not-living kind of life.

We miss our family. We miss our friends. We miss human touch and free laughter bubbling from our hairdresser’s lips, holidays with children running free, the smile of the checker at the grocery store, the trips we were planning, the sleepovers and crowds and rooms filled with worship.

The last few years, our ministry hosted prayer gatherings in our city, where women cried and hugged and sang at the top of their lungs, and blew their noses all in the same room. Together we prayed for our homes, neighborhoods, each other, our country: fearless and faithful.

I’m wondering, are we okay with prayer in schools now?

When our nation removed the fear of God from our schools, there the unraveling began. Taking away the bedrock of faith upon which this nation was founded was a grave mistake — and I’m wondering if anyone is bold enough to say it’s time to invite Him back in?

Does anyone remember that Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these” (Matthew 19:14, Luke 18:16, Mark 10:14). And those children grow up to be adults who set the tone for neighborhoods and nations.

What do we plan to do next? Go back to empty hallways with empty hands again? Or will we courageously bow down on that hallowed ground the way our founders once did, asking God to fill them with His purpose?

As the President of the United States recently said, we need prayer everywhere. It is essential.

Let’s not have to relearn this one, folks.

It takes a humble person to bow his head and thank God for the little children, to repent of the lie that we didn’t need Him in their lives, ask forgiveness, and ask for His Presence once again.

In Texas we call that eating a big piece of humble pie.

Perhaps it’s time.

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About the Author: Jennifer

Jennifer Strickland is a wife, mom, TEDx speaker, and former professional model. She is the author of Girl Perfect, More Beautiful Than You Know, and Beautiful Lies, among other books and Bible studies that teach women their worth in God’s eyes. Since leaving the modeling industry, she founded URMore.org, a non-profit ministry that provides resources to hurting women and girls. Her favorite moments are found working on the family ranch with her husband, who she calls “the Cowboy”; in her kitchen, concocting a new version of her famous spaghetti; or spending time with their three precious children.

WHAT OTHERS ARE SAYING

At the age of 18, I was recovering from an eating disorder, cutting, and suicide when I read Jennifer Strickland’s book Girl Perfect and it changed my life. At the age of 33, as I travel the world reaching youth for the gospel, this is the only book I recommend to girls who are struggling. The Lord has truly anointed Jennifer’s words through her story, not only to address the struggles of today’s generation of girls, but also to walk them through the healing necessary for victory.

Christina Boudreau

Jennifer is a captivating speaker. She keeps the listener hanging in wonder of what’s coming next! Her presentation is not only absorbing, it reveals the truth of God’s power to heal a wounded spirit.

Barbara Brown

Barbara Brown, Former Stonecroft Ministries Regional Representative, San Diego, CA

“The ‘P’ word [perfection] may be the heaviest burden women bear. All the misguided things we do to attain it can keep us away from what we need most – the unconditional love of God the Father. The Girl Perfect Study Guide gives you a map to the wholeness you were created for.”

Nancy Ortberg

Nancy Ortberg, author and former teaching pastor at Willow Creek Community Church

“The Girl Perfect Study Guide shatters the lies girls and women believe and points to the ultimate truth, which really does set us free. I am confident that this study will help thousands discover a beauty, purpose, and worth that truly lasts. Thank you Jen for exposing the ‘perfect life’ and inviting girls to experience God’s ‘perfect love.'”

Allie Marie Smith

Allie Marie Smith, Founder of Wonderfully Made

One of the best testaments to what Jennifer is doing for the young girls and women of today is a comment from my eleven-year-old granddaughter: “Grammy, I want to read this book and hear her again. She’s good and I learned a lot.” This is exactly what I experienced from a grown-up perspective when I was introduced to Jennifer Strickland’s amazing story. Read it and see if you don’t get the real story from an icon model and a powerful speaker of truth.”

Thelma Wells

Thelma Wells, D.D. (Hon), President of Woman of God Ministries
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