Jamie's Column

The Best of Jamie's Column: Jamie's Column

When I was growing up my parents decided I was going to attend a private Christian school for my
junior high and high school years. I was not happy about having to leave my friends from Ocean City
Elementary and journey into some unknown territory, let alone having to have my hair cut to match
every other boy in the school. Okay, the truth is I was given the option of either going to this Christian
joint or a military academy somewhere in Alabama. What choice did I have?

Up the street a few miles with hair one inch above my ear and collar, or a buzz cut somewhere in the
deep woods of Dixie? Either way I knew I was going to have to practice my "Yes Sir, No Sir" replies
whichever road I took. I really resented Mom and Dad for pulling me out of my familiar scene, my
comfort zone, and turning my world upside down. I couldn't understand what I had done that would
cause them to punish me like this. I was really a good kid. I didn't talk back (yet), never got into
trouble, did what I was asked to do, and I considered myself to be pretty low maintenance for a
teenager. I had no choice but to pick one or the other. I picked the Christian School.

What I thought would be hell on earth turned out to be a gift that took me awhile to notice. My three
years there were far from easy, but it was an experience that I know helped shape me into becoming
the person I am today. (Aren't they all?) I learned about discipline. I learned about showing respect to
individuals in authority whether I liked them or not. I found that the God they were trying to teach me
about had nothing to do with the God I had been seeking. Suddenly I realized that awesome presence
was with me all along. I learned my being different from the other kids was something I couldn't
change, but rather it was something I would have to learn to embrace. I met some pretty wonderful
people during my experience, and I know on some level we came together to help each other through
that awkward time of releasing our childhood and stepping into our lives as adults. While I was there
and living the experience, I wanted out, I wanted to return to public school, I wanted to wear jeans
and t-shirts and let my hair grow out and feel normal again. I wanted to connect with the kids I'd been
friends with throughout elementary school and have things be like they use to be. Seems kind of funny
now, but I find that no matter what age we become, or how good or bad we find our situations to be,
we always are longing for how things were. I remember quite often some of the friends I made there
and have to smile to myself as I recall their names and faces. My two best friends were Teresa
Jackson and Chuck Alford. They made my three years there easier and a lot more fun than I
remembered up until now. They were both good-hearted, love-to-laugh kind of friends who genuinely
loved others. Teresa and I were so close that everyone outside of school thought we were brother and
sister. Sometimes I think she and I thought the same thing. I loved her very much and there is a part of
me that misses her to this day. She lives in Texas and we cross paths every year or so for a few
moments. When she walks in the door I remember my friend and all the memories, and once again
we become those teenagers who were the closest of friends.

At the time, many of those people seemed so unimportant to me, but now I realize what a powerful
part of my growing up they represent. They were my teachers and my friends. They live in my memory
and often times my dreams. I look back now on that time with fond memories and a thankful heart. I
bless the people who shared their lives with me. They truly made a difference in my life. So to Teresa
Jackson, Chuck Alford, and the others, thank you for helping me make it through. Thank you for
allowing me to figure out who I was and loving me through that difficult time. I hope I was able to do
the same for you. Many years have passed but I remember much of it as if it was yesterday. I now can
truly say I was led to that experience to help me prepare for what Spirit would call me to become.
God always has a plan. It's the trusting in the unseen that is difficult. For my friends who made my life
a better place, my prayer for you is this:

May The Light of God Surround You
May The Love of God Enfold You
May The Power of God Protect You
And The Presence of God Watch Over You
Wherever You Are God Is, and All Is Well.

Until next month. Be good to yourself, be good to others and keep spreading "The Light."

Jamie Sanders is an ordained New Thought Minister, ordained through The Barbara King School of
Ministry in Atlanta, Georgia. He has been the producer and host of his own weekly television program,
"Positive Living" and is an active speaker, workshop facilitator and performer for Unity Churches,
retreats and other New Thought organizations. He is a featured columnist for "The Light" and
"Alternatives" magazine and currently resides in Fort Walton Beach, Florida. For more information on
available dates for speaking or for correspondence you can e-mail him at Jamie1118@aol.com, or visit
his web site at www.jamiesanders.com