In 1972, Alice Cooper released School’s Out, their 5th studio album. The record is heavily influenced by the Yardbirds and reached No. 4 on the UK album charts, No. 2 on the US Billboard 200, and No. 1 on the Canadian RPM Top 100.

“One thing about the School’s Out album that is interesting was the fact that there was a real Yardbirds presence there, especially with the song, School’s Out, itself. If you really listen to the bottom of that song, it’s all Yardbirds, which was our biggest influence.” – Alice Cooper

Like many other Alice Cooper songs and albums, School’s Out, both the track and the LP, are relatable. The songs on the record discuss adolescent narratives and scenarios, most of which we’ve all experienced during our “dear old golden rule” days.

The title track is a one-size-fits-all anthem that leads to the solace of Summer or for a High School (or College) graduate, the end of school entirely. Alice admits, “the two most joyous times of the year are Christmas morning and the end of school.” How true? How simple, yet profound? It’s a genius concept.

This week is our annual look at “School’s Out.” When most of us were younger, the end of the school year was met with the same amount of excitement, anticipation, and meaning. We knew what to expect and what was to come. However, today’s youth may not feel the same.

Since early 2020, we’ve succumbed to a new set of rules – a new normal. As a result, while businesses, employees, employers, and humanity, in general, have shuffled to find their footing, many adolescents and children have lost confidence in the future.

The end of the school year typically brings with it joy and a little dose of freedom. However, like 2020, this year may bring even more uncertainty, concern, and loss.

Students are still uncertain about what the future holds – will they have to wear masks in the Fall, will vaccines be mandatory, etc.?

Will athletics, clubs, and after-school activities return to normal, etc.?

Will next year be a full academic year, free from distractions and displacement?

In our youth, the things we took for granted have been altered by an unseen force for the current school-aged generation. However, somehow, even though it seems futile at times, we carry on.

“We know that in all things, God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” – Romans 8:28

Some may ask, where is the silver lining in all of this? What is it about this nightmare that offers anything noteworthy or positive?

As we walk further and deeper into our journey, we find that faith and the guidance of His Word lead us to a different attitude and outlook. An approach that requires us to ask questions – but maybe ask them a little differently.

Questions like:

• Where is the good in this?
• What can be learned from this experience?
• How does this relate to God’s plan?

God’s Word is written from the perspective of many that weren’t living lives full of pleasure and bliss. Instead, they were lives laced with hardship, pain, betrayal, imprisonment, plagues, and many other “not so great” circumstances. However, what pulled them through was their ability to focus NOT on their surroundings but instead on His call.

His calling is the reason we are here on Earth. It drives us and motivates us to seek His purpose and His will. Multiple verses discuss spiritual gifts, callings, and our purpose for being here, but perhaps Paul best describes what that means.

“12 I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. 13 I can do all this through him who gives me strength.” – Philippians 4:12-13 (NIV)

“I’ve learned by now to be quite content whatever my circumstances. I’m just as happy with little as with much, with much as with little. I’ve found the recipe for being happy, whether full or hungry, hands full or hands empty. Whatever I have, wherever I am, I can make it through anything in the One who makes me who I am.” – Philippians 4:12-13 (MSG)

Our calling and purpose remain the same, always – no matter the circumstances.

• To seek Him first (Matthew 6:33-34, Hebrews 3:1)
• To spread the Good News of the gospel (Mark 16:15, 1 Peter 3:15-16)
• To humbly love one another (Ephesians 4:1-6),
• To place others before ourselves (Philippians 2:1-4)
• Serve others as stewards of God’s grace (1 Peter 4:10-11).

These are tasks that transcend all aspects of our lives.

While things are still unusual, they pale in comparison to the hardships faced by so many that have gone before us. As we endure the navigation of life’s obstacles (big and small), let us remember the next generation is looking to us to help them and guide them towards the future.

As parents, guardians, or any adult working with young ones, our Creator has entrusted us with the care of His children. We are asked to raise them correctly (Proverbs 22:6, Ephesians 6:4) – while helping them see the joy in life (Colossians 3:21). It’s no small task. It’s a BIG deal.

Our children are watching us as we steer the ship. They are learning more about their parents, their world, and the dangers found within it. They are also learning about fear and faith.

What are we teaching them through our actions – our actions towards them, towards others, towards God? Are we teaching them that Romans 8:28 always applies – even when things seem desperate or lost?

We have all been placed in this time for a reason. We have been chosen to live these moments for a purpose. The question is, what will we do with those hours, minutes, and seconds?

Like many generations before us, we will be remembered based on our reaction and ability to overcome adversities while teaching future generations how to prosper. School may be out, but the learning continues.

What are we teaching the people and family we love most? What about those we barely know or don’t understand? Are we showing them God’s Love? Are we teaching them to see our Creator and the joys of life?

When given opportunities to share, what will we do with them? As the Holy Spirit moves us, we must not be afraid to take unexpected avenues and further touch the hearts of ALL humanity. God uses us as his vessels – vessels that interconnect one another to Him and His Word.

Wrapping this up, the last year and a half has been one of the best or worst roller coasters many of us have endured in our lifetimes. For some, it may have produced brighter moments; for others, maybe it’s darker. As adults, we must remember our children are experiencing all of this as well.

Whether we are parents, grandparents, teachers, caregivers, etc., we are interwoven into a family – God’s creation, humanity. Are we learning more about God’s Love and what it means to care for one another? Are we teaching future generations how to Love as well?

It’s true; we have been called to be shepherds of our own flock (1 Peter 5:2-3). However, Jesus also extended the call for us to feed the hungry, give water to those that thirst, take in the stranger, clothe the naked, and care for the sick (Matthew 25:40-45). Are we finding ways to meet those needs?

School’s out once again, but His Love is still in session. Are we teaching the world how wonderful the Light of Christ is? Does it shine brightly in our hearts and our actions? Do we share His Love with everyone or only a select few?

As new uncertainty arises, will we, His body, the church, help pick up the pieces of a broken world? A broken world in need of a Savior. Will the church be guided by the Holy Spirit to help heal the world’s wounds, or will we ignore them?

In conclusion, “School’s Out for Summer.” This song will forever endure in the hearts of many – it’s one of life’s anthems. There’s something special about the end of the school year.

“‘School’s Out’ was designed to be a hit. It was intended to be an anthem. It was designed to appeal to every single person in the world because everybody has sat through school in the last three minutes before school is out – for Summer. Forever.

If we can capture the joy of the kids screaming, knowing they have three months off of school, well, that will be a big hit.” – Alice Cooper

“School’s Out” is arguably one of the best Alice Cooper songs, maybe the best of all time. However, as it spins on the turntable today, most of us are no longer students – not in the traditional sense. However, we are still students in life. What have we learned (or maybe still learning), and what are we teaching others?

That’s it for this week. Be well and catch you next Friday!

Until then, Keep Walkin’ in Faith and Rockin’ with Alice!