School’s Out (for COVID-19 and Maybe Summer) (School’s Out, 1972)

In 1972, Alice Cooper, the band, released their 5th studio album, School’s Out. 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

It’s interesting, one of the most fascinating things about the early Alice Cooper albums was the way they connected to the audience. Songs like “I’m Eighteen,” “Caught In A Dream,” “Under My Wheels,” and “Alma Mater” held special significance for teenagers and young adults going through similar scenarios in their own lives. But “School’s Out” was different.

The title track of the album is a one-size-fits-all anthem for every listener. Alice stated, “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. To contain the essence of pure joy in one song is a marvelous feat. It presented the band with an instant hit and classic.

This week, we take a look at this song from an extraordinary angle – a landscape of circumstances we’ve never experienced in this lifetime. It looks as if “School (may) be out (early) for Summer,” and even if it isn’t, an unexpected turn of events has unfolded.

The end of the school year typically brings with it joy and a little dose of freedom. However, this year it brings uncertainty, concern, and loss.

Students are uncertain about what’s to come next school year.

Students and parents are concerned about navigating the rest of this school year, most likely, without stepping foot in the building again.

And for many, this brings the loss of their Senior year, an athletic season, or the chance to say goodbye to people they may never see for many years, if ever again.

Parents are home with their children, left with the responsibilities of piecing together an educational experience (from virtual learning programs and time set aside to try to provide some sort of normalcy). Suddenly, a good majority of the world’s population have become stay-at-home parents and educators – two things many people never expected.

Throw in the added element of trying to keep household groceries purchased, the household chores up-to-date, and some sort of routine in place. All while trying to avoid an invisible enemy – COVID-19. This school year has been nothing short of a disaster.

But is there a silver lining in all of this? Is there anything noteworthy or positive to take away from this nightmare?

“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

With our faith and the guidance of His Word, we begin to look at life from a different approach. One that requires us to ask questions – but maybe ask them a little differently. 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. 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 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), and serve others as stewards of God’s grace (1 Peter 4:10-11). These are tasks that transcend all aspects of our lives.

Bringing this back to now, this time, this present dilemma we face. It pales in comparison to the hardships faced by so many that have gone before us. We are being asked to stay-at-home and spend time with our children, our most precious gifts.

Being at home, with multiple roles, isn’t easy to navigate, nor is it what most of us would consider the mission field. However, it’s a chance to double back and reevaluate what we value most. It’s an opportunity for us to make sure we aren’t only extending Christ to those in our daily walk but just as importantly those in our own homes.

As parents, our Creator has entrusted us with the care of His children for safekeeping and enrichment. 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 navigate this world-changing event. 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 applies, even now – during a global pandemic.

While communities, parents, teachers, seniors, and anyone breathing are being put to the test, there are things all of us can do to help each other.

For those that aren’t currently at home with children, find ways to encourage those that are. For those that can’t get to the grocery, call and see if there’s something you can get for them. Send “care packages” and gifts to help them get through their days and weeks. Get creative in your mission here on Earth to serve Him and others.

With technology today, there are multiple ways for us to stay connected and reach out to friends and loved ones dealing with the added stress and struggles of everyday life. Even the smallest gestures, like a smile or kind words, are appreciated now, maybe more than ever before.

In a nutshell, find ways to minister to others – not with words, but through service. We live at a time when serving doesn’t require physical labor or even leaving the house. There are ways to help and share God’s Love creatively from the comfort of your home. Use this time to pray and ask the Lord to show you an avenue of service where you can help or serve.

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 this difficult, sometimes scary, hurdle. During a forced economic downturn, will we learn to be more frugal? As medical personnel needs supplies, will we find ways to equip them? When asked to stay-at-home and educate our own children, will we guide and mentor them? You get the point.

School may be out, but the learning continues. Will we discover something new (maybe old) in this process? Will we see that too much time was being wasted on frivolity and uselessness? Will we see that the people and things that matter most have been right under our noses and in our communities?

We’ve been given an opportunity to share what matters most. What will we do with it? There’s an important lesson to learn about freedom as well. Use this opportunity to watch the Holy Spirit move during these times. In many ways, a new chapter in history is being written. With that, we will most likely see new, unexpected avenues His Spirit uses to touch the hearts of humanity.

Wrapping this up, it seems as if we have all become professional jugglers during this present time. We are all learning how to balance and live a little differently. For many, it’s a time when things may be a little brighter, for others maybe it’s darker, it honestly doesn’t matter. What matters is for us to find a way through this and also learn something in the process.

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?

As the world and local governments struggle to find answers, we are equipped with the truth and already know what needs to be done. Will the world see the church (His people) rise to the occasion and find ways to help NOT hurt the efforts of others? Or will we ignore this opportunity?

School may be out, but His Love is still in session. Are we still sharing that love with others, or are we hiding out until this all blows over? And finally, after this time has passed, will 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 wounds of the world? Or will we ignore them?

In conclusion, “School’s Out for Summer (Maybe).” Make the most of it. This song will forever be one of endearment. As a young person, the end of the school year usually represents Freedom. But it’s interesting how life shifts and turns.

This year, for the first time, I can remember, “School’s Out” takes on a whole new meaning.

“‘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

Of course, Alice and the guys in the band were right! “School’s Out” remains arguably one of the best Alice Cooper songs, if not the best, of all time. However, as it spins on the turntable today, it brings with it a very different meaning. “School’s Out” for a completely different reason, and it’s unexpected. What will we learn in the process?

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

In the meantime, Keep Walkin’ in Faith and Rockin’ with Alice!