1171)  At the beginning of each school year, I inform my students I am not there to be their friend. After this statement, I pause and watch for their responses. Shortly after this, I continue by telling them that though I will not be their friend: I will be their advocate.

What is an advocate? I explain to my students this means I will stand beside them, giving them support when they need it. I will go to war for them, if situations call for it. I will be loyal to them, no matter what they do. These are all things I can provide as my students’ advocate.

Jeremiah tells us God is our advocate. He does all I commit to my students and so much more.

He will always support me, with a tenderness, compassion and patience that far exceeds what I can produce.

He is my mighty warrior. He will let no one mess with me unless it will produce a better good.

He is so loyal to me that if I had been the only sinner needing forgiveness, he would have sent his son to die, just the same.

Feel alone, unsupported and insecure? God has your back better than any human!

We can face what’s ahead because of who God is.  Jeremiah 20:11