CCDA 2012 Reflections

I got my annual "shot in the arm/boost to the heart & spirit" fix last week at the CCDA conference in Minneapolis.  There is nothing so energizing, encouraging, and challenging as being with 3,000 people who are fiercely and deeply passionate about fighting poverty and justice in our communities.  Given my passion for education and our local schools, I was especially thrilled to see a continued emphasis on working for educational reform and the role Christ-followers can and should play in that effort.  For the first time, we were all challenged to consider running for our local school boards . ..  to put more skin in the game in hard but vitally important work.  That was a real confirmation, since I had been seriously praying about whether or not I should run for the East Aurora School Board.  Needless to say, I have started circulating my petitions so that I can have my name on the ballot, and put my heart and passion for the district in the running, in April.  I also enjoyed Nicole Baker Fulgham and her challenge to Christ-followers and churches to get involved in our schools in three ways . ..  as vision-casters, as laborers, and as advocates.  I will be spending some time reflecting on what I personally and Community 4:12 can do more of in each of those areas, and would love to know what others are doing.  Please share!