The Unexpected

I was surprised by a kid the other day. I had been assessing the approximate reading level of kids in an inclusion class. I had gone down an alphabetical list when I got to a little girl I hadn't had much interaction with previously. For some reason - perhaps the fact that she is in the inclusion class, or that I remember that she had been labeled SLD from last year - I didn't expect the best from her.

Self-Realization: I had preconceived notions about a student's performance. While I didn't allow it to taint my instructional practices or treatment of the child, I still realize that I wasn't expecting the best when she sat down to read.

I was BLOWN AWAY, however, when she was able to read enormous words verbally. She varied vocal intonation to supply added meaning to what she read, a sign of comprehension. I smiled at her and told her that she was so very smart. It seems that her main problem is vocabulary, and this is probably due to a lack of exposure to the types of language that fill the books presented to our students.

Am I happy that I noticed and acted on what I saw myself lacking in: expecting the unexpected...expecting the best at all times.

Speaking of the unexpected, the words that would come to many people's minds when they see this man are such things as darkness, drugs, rock, weirdo, crazy...the list goes on.  But I'm glad that God doesn't look at the outwardly appearance the way we do; rather, God looks at the heart of an individual.  I'm extra glad for one special reason:

This man is my brother.





His name is Brian "Head" Welch.

And, yes, he is my brother.

Let me say that again:
Brian Welch is my brother.

I know what you're thinking: how can a black woman and a white man be brother ans sister?  We don't really look all that much alike either.

But, while we don't share the same DNA, we are related by blood.

For most of my life, I'd never heard of him. Known as "Head" to his fans, Brian "Head" Welch was the lead guitarist for the band known as Korn. This band had multi-platinum status as far as record sales.  They had concerts all over the planet.  Their songs were compositions of musical genius.  Unfortunately, I was a straight alternative-junkie and was too into Nirvana to notice when they first became popular. So, I didn't recognize his face when I first heard the late-breaking international news that came several years later: Brian "Head" Welch had changed.


Here's his story.



Since his life-change, people have ridiculed and been cruel to him. But others, such as myself, have embraced him. Please pray for his strength.

Most people who take a first glance at Brian see only the tattoos, the long hair, and the dark-rimmed eyes.  But a person is more than their appearance.  God looks at the heart.  His people should do the same.  He might not look or sing the way that would commonly be expected for a Christian.  But Jesus wasn't what people expected either.  Being a Christian is not just about wearing suits or long dresses and going to church. It's about having a made-up heart and mind to obey God.  Many people go to church.  But not all of them have had a heart change.  Not all church-goers have changed their ways to God's.

Brian has been changed.  I've heard some of the songs of his former life.  His heart and true being have been regenerated.  He was transformed.  As I listened to one of his songs today, I found myself near tears. The sincerity of his heart seemed quite apparent to me. Thinking about his life and story, I must say that my Blood brother has created the first heavy song that has ever even come close to making me cry.

I love you, man.

For more information about Brian's choice, take visit this fun site or check out this article.

To leave a comment, click here go back to the posting page and comment at the bottom.