The Voice that Shakes HEaven

A class sits in silence as they listen to their principal share the chilling news that their algebra teacher had just been shot and killed by the police.  Silent tears fall on hollow hearts.  

A girl thinks about the time she needed help with an assignment and Mr. Brooks took time after class to help her, but she didn't to say thank you.  A boy thinks of the time Mr. Brooks stopped two boys from bullying him because he did have expensive basketball shoes on.  

In shock the silence is deafening.  The principal sits down overwhelmed.  In the midst of sorrow a boy stands up in front of the class and speaks. 

"Mr Brooks deserved better. He was a good man.  They killed not only a good person they killed a hero.  They deserve to die but that is not what Mr. Brooks would want.  He would want us to keep fighting for ourselves.  To keep beating the odds.  To love the unlovable. That is his legacy. That is his message he shared with us every day which we refused to listen to.  We refused to do our homework or study for a test. We refused to be kind to each other. We refused to be kind to ourselves.  He fought for us because he believe in us.  We didn't appreciate it but I do now.  I see now in spite of my anger Mr. Brooks love has reached my heart." 

Fighting back tears he continues.

Mr. Brooks loved us. Now it is time to love ourselves. We must fight for hope of a better future.  We must not let his death end in silence.  We must be his voice now.  WE must do the work now.  All of us have lost someone in this war.  We need each other. We need to be heard.  We will be heard.  

The boy takes a knee as his classmates surround him. In silence their voice shakes heaven.  ​