I’m really not sure of the details, but I remember hearing stories about it as a child.  I know my grandfather is partly responsible for prayer being removed from the local public schools.  I think he represented or was part of the legal team that represented the case in front of the court for their client.  I have heard stories about death threats being left on his home voicemail (I mean answering machine, err...codeaphone).  Seems like one uncle in particular was given a really hard time from his teacher during the litigation because she realized what his father was trying to do. I think she also harassed my uncle regularly in front of the class because he did not attend Sunday school.

Even though I attended public high school for a short time I never thought much about the moment of silence until this school year.  My volunteering schedule puts me in the classroom 3 days a week during morning announcements.  I proudly stood with the students and sang the Star Spangled Banner, but wondered how many kids actually understood the song.  Then I placed my hand over my heart and recited the pledge of allegiance. 

I love to hear all the voices echoing down the hall in unison from every class.  The whole school does this together everyday at the same time with some specially picked student leading over the school’s PA system.  This is something that I did not experience in private school.  The only time the school said the pledge together was once a week at the beginning of chapel service.

Then came the moment of silence… The principal announced, “Please observe a moment of silence.  You may think, pray or meditate during this time.”  It was eerie.  I got chill bumps.  I sat there a little stunned realizing that my grandfather had a hand in this.  Prayer was forever missing because he helped bring the suit against the local public school system.  It occurred to me that I had been negligent as a parent.  I had not discussed this moment with my children.

That day after school we discussed what had in the past filled that moment of silence.  How the students or teacher would start each day with a prayer.  I encouraged my children to use that time to bow their heads and pray.  “Oh yes, Mama!” said my 4^th grader. “My teacher last year and this year explained that to the class. She said that she was a Christian and that we need to be respectful of that time because she would be praying.”  Thank God for that teacher.  May He send more just like her to our schools to teach, lead and mentor. 

Now when I am present in the classroom during the moment of silence I bow my head and pray.  I know we, as Christians, are not supposed to make a scene of our prayer, but I do hope the students see me.  I hope that I am planting a seed.  I hope that somewhere in the back of their mind they will remember the lady that loved them was also the lady that prayed. 

I am glad that a teacher who is Muslim, Hindu, or some other religion is not allowed to lead my children in prayer everyday.  I guess my grandfather protected my kids from that.  I am thankful for the moment of silence and glad that time is set aside every morning.  If you have children, friends, or relatives attending public schools, please encourage them to bow their heads and pray as well.  We need more Christians making a difference in public schools.