“The Fall”: Chapter Nine
9.
Michael's Hero
“We got word that Michael was preaching, disrupting some of the students. He told me his sermons were on Samson and Delilah. He also preached about Adam and Eve. Michael said he was preaching examples of when women were the downfall of man.” Mrs. Eve didn’t know what to say at first. “At our school we can’t have disruptions like this, we ask our students to keep their religious beliefs at home. Due to his sermon there was a young girl who was very distraught about what he was saying.” The principal sat back in her chair waiting for Mrs. Eve to say something. “So my son is in trouble for preaching in the school. Is that what you're telling me?”
“Yes we can’t have these disruptions and kids being confused about religious beliefs.” Mrs. Eve looked at her son before saying, “Well we teach our children to teach the world about God and all his wonders.” The principal was shocked by her response. “I don't believe the school is an appropriate place to do that.”
Mrs. Eve shrugged not in agreement then said, “So it's okay for kids to teach kids worldly things, but it's a problem when my child teaches about things of God who wakes us up everyday and puts food on our plates.” It seemed as if the principal was thinking of something to say when Michael's mom also said, “My son told me he's learning about slavery and colonization. Just the other day my son came home distraught when he had to watch Roots and the scene where Kunte was getting whipped to be conformed into society changing his name to Toby. I'll say the white man was the downfall of the black man and how many native American kids go home traumatized when they find out their history.”
“Does it make it better for your son to preach that women are the downfall of man using the bible as reference?” The principal asked
Michael was so surprised that his mother was defending him today. But he didn't smile or say anything because he knew the situation could get worse for him. His principal and mother went back and forth for a little while before the principal said, “Well today you have to take Michael home for his disturbance and hopefully he'll learn not to do it again. There's a time and place for everything.” Mrs. Eve got up, said thanks and told Michael to come on. Michael could see his principal was disturbed by the conversation but followed behind his mother, today his hero. In the car Michael sat still and quiet all he heard was quiet gospel music playing in the background. His mother asked him if he would like to go to McDonald's. This was the first time being sent home and he was rewarded thinking it was a joke Michael said it's okay we don't have to go. Sensing what her son was doing they drove to McDonald's anyway. As they were eating Michael's mom asked him what happened. Exhaling before speaking Michael told her the story. How he was so excited about his dad being pastor that he wanted to preach as well. At lunch he started preaching about Samson and the story of Delilah and how she told all his secrets to the men who wanted to know how to make him weak because he was so strong. Michael added that he told the story of Adam and Eve. “There was a girl who listened to me and told the teacher about me.” His mom laughed saying you have the blood of Samson always getting in trouble with the girls. Michael laughed as well. Then Michael asked his mother if he was in trouble. She asked why he asked that. “Because I got sent home.”
She smiled then said, “Sometimes in the world people don't like hearing about God, it makes them feel uncomfortable. I want you to love God and never give up your faith in him no matter what happens in your life. Can you try to do that for me?” Michael looked at his hero and said, “Yes ma'am.” Then Michael continued to eat his McDonald's.
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