How To Be A Christian Witness In A Secular Work/School Environment [BRAINSTORM]

"The faithful should bear witness to the Lord's name by confessing the faith without giving in to fear." - CCC 2145

In a previous post I shared that I loved working in a secular work environment because it allowed me to see people who are different from me in background, beliefs, and values as human and lovable. I don't take back those words, but I will say that I have come to the realization that for the past year I have been idolizing my job quite a bit (making it my identity) and struggles of this school year have helped awakened to me the truth that I can only find true, complete joy and fulfillment in Christ

The environment I work in this year feels drastically different from last year. Last year we were working virtually, so we connected with our students in different ways. Classroom management and the overall work environment were drastically different. Crazy as COVID-19 is, last year was more of a "chill" year in comparison to this year. (Summer school felt similar. I was fun to see the kids connect. Needs and behaviors seemed similar to what we experienced in the spring during in-person hybrid.)

Hop into this year and... WOW! New students. Old students. I don't know if the students changed or if it's more of what we saw of them that changed. This year is the year where when the kids come into school I hear the f-word and highly inappropriate jokes about sex or violence run rampant. I often freeze or step back when I hear students spewing these remarks left and right wondering when and how to step in (it takes a lot of bravery) and when to accept that I work in an environment where many people consider these jokes and remarks only slightly flippant.

How does one respond when over the course of one class period, the seventh and eighth graders have been calling out sexual jokes to the whole class left and right and taking the Lord's name in vain sometimes with a few f-bombs to "jazz it up"? How does one respond when joking about people's genitals is a popular topic of conversation for the kids?

How does one respond when the staff don't think that many of these behaviors--foul language and certain jokes--are objectively wrong but simply that they should not be used in this "time and place." Staff I work with talk about wanting to teach the kids to swear responsibly: in other words, not loudly in a classroom or professional environment. The overlying consensus seems to be that many of the things the kids are doing and saying are okay for adults but should be saved for adulthood. I've heard "Well, they are teenagers, so this can't be too surprising" which leaves me thinking what a sad world we must live in for this sort of behavior to be considered normal and okay.

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I'm not saying these sorts of behaviors never happen in private schools. I remember in private school the kids loved to make mean and insensitive jokes, and I saw more rude humor from the kids when I attended private school than when I attended public school.

I don't know if the world is changing or if I was only exposed to a very filtered branch of the student population, but to me these behaviors are not normal (even in teens) and especially not acceptable in the classroom.

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The fact is, the constant swearing and sexual or dark humor that I am surrounded by throughout my work days have led me to wonder if this is where I want to or am meant to be. It's a sort of: Goodbye, fairy tale. Hello, broken world.

I've asked God if this is where He actually wants me to be. Would backing out be conviction or would it be cowardice at the idea that I might be called to act in defense of Him and His word--to be unpopular and ill thought of or spoken of at times? Whatever it is, I want to be where and do what God is asking me to do. I know that might not always be easy, that it may take great courage (courage that I am lacking in) at times.

Currently on my journey my thoughts and convictions are that I am to stay where I am at right now. I'm very seriously thinking about moving roles next year, and the role I'm considering moving into may come with many more challenges and moments of "how do I stay true to my faith here?" It would also come with many great opportunities to love God.

My question and prayers currently are: How am I called to love out my faith at work? How do I witness? How do I defend? Am I called to defend? What does that look like? Witnessing through gentleness and cleanliness comes easily to me. I've never used foul language in public and have no real inclination to. Being gentle and caring for the most part is my nature --> although I will say there are student who have been trying my patience hardcore recently. I pray that God will help me work with patience and kindness in abundance.

A more challenging area for me is speaking up in situations where God or the very concept of the human person are being disdained or disrespected. As an avid people-pleaser, correcting and calling people out does not come easily to me. I give into fear and make excuses for not speaking up or stepping in regularly. 

Sometimes the reasons are legitimate (for example, there are kids who I am quite confident if I corrected their use of the Lord's name would only disrespect it more). Other times I think about whether I would be representing and living the faith in a way that emphasizes gentleness and mercy over pride and judgment <-- this is one of those hard lines to figure out though, because while the concern has merit to it, it can also be used as an excuse for not risking reproach and taking a stand for TRUTH and respect towards God's word in situations where a stand ought to be taken.

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ULTIMATELY, I've been looking for concrete ways to hide my faith less (something I have realized I am prone to doing with quick sign of the crosses at lunch and making sure to hide my miraculous medal under my clothes).

Concrete changes I have made so far are:

1. Be more open and intentional about prayer: not trying to hide it so much. Allow the sign of the cross to be seen. Allow myself to say "excuse me a moment" when someone is talking to me and to give true time and attention to my prayer in the lunchroom. (Still need to work on that second part.)

2. When people ask me about my day or weekend or plans, be open and perhaps even make a point of sharing that I hung out with friends from Church or am leading a women's group there or that I went to Mass. (Room for growth here too.)

3. Make sure I am wearing my miraculous medal and other Christian medal outside of my shirt or sweatshirt so that others can see it and know that I am a witness for Jesus and own this part of my identity (versus living in fear or shame).

4. I've also started giving myself permission to wear more faith-based things. This past week I wore my sweatshirt from Catholic Youth Camp to work two days, and I felt sooooooo free!!! I did not expect the experience of feeling like I was freed from chains and could joyfully be and express my true self fully. (It was like the great divide between who I am at work and who I am with friends or at Church began to wash away.)

5. I've also been filling up on God's word and spending intentional time in prayer and discernment when I get home from work. Some of my favorite forms of evening relaxation are pulling out the Bible or a book by Jason Evert, doing my Catechism homework, or opening up a phone app with the daily readings. You cannot give what you do not have, so fill up on the Holy Spirit. Be attentive to His voice, LET HIM LOVE ON YOU, and love Him back. Give Him your time and attention.

Honestly, these first steps I have taken have already led me to feel a bucketload of joy and freedom that I did not expect along with a new peace and centeredness.

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In addition to these baby steps, I have been reading scripture for guidance (which can feel very confusing, because even the most admired or upheld Biblical characters are not black and white) and trying to find other resources for Christians or Catholics working in a secular work or school environment <-- which to my disappointment is not easy! (I was rather surprised and disappointed to learn that there is no Facebook group for Catholics or Christians working in public schools.)

My research did lead to a few more insights and ideas that I would like to make sure I am including in my witness/work ethic.

Articles I ran across from Pure Flix and Urban Faith noted the importance of working with integrity and giving it your all: 

Pure Flix especially emphasized the idea of not going halfway. Go above and beyond: Don't slack. God calls us to be there to support each other, so go out of your way to be helpful to your coworkers. Urban Faith had many good points and put a special emphasis on being responsible even when your boss isn't looking: show up to work on time. Work your full shift. Fulfill the things that are asked of you. In these ways, Be a witness to integrity and to generosity.

Until next time...

 

Resources / For Further Reading:

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