I saw a man I knew counting a stack of one dollar bills. I joked that I came at the right time.

But he picked one up and said forlornly, “That’s about how I feel—worth about as much as a one dollar bill."

“Don’t you say that,” I rebuked him gently. “JESUS gave His life for you. And that’s priceless.”

Years later, teaching a group of fourth graders in a small rural public school where there was 100% free lunches, I did something I had read about that was effective at engaging the students to teach them a life lesson: I took out a fake $20 bill. I held it up and asked my students if they wanted it. Even though it was fake--and they knew it--the sight of "money" made them excited. 

While they watched, I suddenly crumpled it up, threw it down, and stomped on it. Some of them gasped (Fourth graders are so precious!). Then, I picked it up and tore it in two, and threw it on the ground. 

They watched, silent and a little sad, as I stomped on it again. 

"This is only fake money," I said, "but many of you have felt like this: crushed and torn and stomped on." 

Some of them nodded, some of them shifted uncomfortably in their seats. As I paused, I saw weary darkness on many young faces. 

"But I want you to know," I said, brightening my voice and then smiling, "that no matter how beat up you've been, no matter how dirty or damaged you feel, God loves you! And I love you! And many people love you! You are worth so much more than any amount of money! Never forget!" 

Many nodded, some smiled. A few had tears in their eyes--and that included me.  

Several emotions I hadn't intended to feel washed through my soul, and the kids could tell I was sincere. From what I remember, I told them again that I loved them, and they openly admitted they were touched. (I love those kids and still pray for them daily!). I'm sure I got hugs later, cause those happened often, anyway. 

Yes, I took a "risk" of speaking about God in a public school, but as He told me once, "They're all Christian schools!" The earth is the LORD's and the fullness thereof, and all the peoples therein (Psalm 24:1)!  He will get His schools--His kids!--back!

I knew that the LORD had led me to share the lesson, at that time, and I know those kids were changed because I obeyed. Hallelujah!

May they--and we--forever more deeply know how much the Savior, Who gave His life for us, finds us each to be His priceless pearl! 

Tonja and her husband live to exalt God. They lift Him up in books (P.O.W.E.R. Girl!; LEGACY; Visions of the King; Your Holy Health; more); presentations; service in church, community, and the world; and via the "River Rain Creative" (309 videos) and "POWERLight Learning" You Tube channels.