The Pimp that defended jesus

Back when I was working with high school students, I subbed for a teacher friend on Halloween. Two students caught my attention right away.

1️⃣ One strutted in with a snake-head sorcerer's wand wearing a purple velvet suit with a snake-skin print scarf tied around his neck. He completed the look with leopard print boots and a feathered fedora.

2️⃣ The other featured a long brown wig, brown sandals and flowing white sheets tied at the waist with a rope. He carried a wooden cross.

They proudly introduced themselves as “a Big City Pimp and Jesus of Nazareth.” And believe it or not, they were friends.

It immediately brought me back to my Catholic school days — where I was taught that Jesus surrounded himself with the outcasts, the misunderstood, the ones society turned its nose up at.

Yep, it made sense. 👀

Just as class was settling down, a young lady stormed in — full of fire and attitude. She slammed her books down behind “Jesus” and muttered under her breath.

I went over the assignment, and before I could finish, student lady storm snapped❗

In a flash, she knocked the wig right off Jesus’ head, yelling something about disrespect.

And then — in one of those moments that still makes me shake my head — the pimp jumped in to defend Jesus.

I sent all three to the office. This conflict was way above my pay grade. 😳

When the room calmed down, a few students tried to justify the outburst.

“She’s really religious,” one said.

“She was offended,” said another.

This scenario was rich with wisdom.

Let’s Unpack It! 💼

Standing on her faith, the angry believer claims to live above the line [in love and acceptance,] but the lashing out shows the fracture.

He behaviors demonstrated judgment, shame, and egocentric attachment to being “right.”

Judging others while preaching one thing and doing another is a ripe example of living below the line in ego.

The biggest lesson of the day wasn’t found in the textbooks.

👉 It was witnessing who showed up when things got messy;

👉 And in how we respond when chaos hits, buttons are pushed, or values are tested in real time.

Anyone can talk about love, faith, or peace.

But the real proof of integrity shows up in actions.

Believe what feels right for you, and when you act, act with awareness. It is at the heart of the THRIVE model and it's where wisdom lives.