Back-to-school night it was. That hour and a half when parents cram the halls, paperwork in hand, wedging tired bodies into tiny seats, hoping against hope that the teacher/student connection will be a win/win, praying that the year will be relatively painless for all.
Artwork and essays line the freshly painted cinder block walls. And the young mama spies her daughter's creation. Tears of laughter, pools of joy spill over as she reads her daughter's writing, her bold, yet oh-so-natural testimony carefully printed out for all the world to read.
'I'm lucky to have a best friend like Jesus. We have some things in common like how we look. We both have white skin and we both like to read the Bible. And something we like to do for fun is play with little kids. Even though we are alike in ways we are also different in ways. He has shorter hair than me and I have longer hair than him. He lives in Heaven and I live on earth. I'm shy but he is brave.'
'I'm lucky to have a best friend like Jesus. We have some things in common like how we look. We both have white skin and we both like to read the Bible. And something we like to do for fun is play with little kids. Even though we are alike in ways we are also different in ways. He has shorter hair than me and I have longer hair than him. He lives in Heaven and I live on earth. I'm shy but he is brave.'
This is what Back-To-School Night looks like. In a public school. Where an 8 year old girl can tell the world that her best friend is Jesus.
Yes, I'm overflowing with gratitude that Jesus is alive and well in our neighborhood schools. But I only wish that I would be as courageous as my granddaughter in proclaiming loud and clear, with not an apology in sight, that Jesus is my best friend, too.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
The Multiple Book Giveaways!
Each comment you leave this month puts you in the running for one of the books we'll be sharing with our readers with on October 31st {9 pm eastern, US and Canada only}. Limit 1 comment/day, please! Details to come.
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Oh mylanta...I'm shy, but He is brave...
ReplyDeleteto claim that so young...ugh! love it. what glory.
thank you for sharing! your grandmother heart must beam wildly...
She is a little sweetheart, my introverted, red-haired beauty! And you are, too, Nikki, for leaving such kind words this morning! I hope your weekend is filled with laughter and joy!
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"I'm shy but he is brave." -- May it be true of me, as well, to remember that despite my shyness, He will enable boldness, if I'm willing to claim His name.
ReplyDeleteYes, a little child shall lead them! Thanks, Kelly ... from another deeply introverted soul!
DeleteWow! What a testimony she is!! You must be so proud.
ReplyDeleteFilled with thanks I am ...
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Your legacy is already a wonderful woman of God---what a blessing!
ReplyDeleteYes, Loralu, to start a lifetime of loving and serving God at a young age ... that is my prayer for each of my grandchildren ... for each of our little ones.
DeleteBeautiful and inspiring! Love the picture! thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteDon't you love it when the little ones inspire the old ones?
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How very precious, her words, His daughter...
ReplyDeleteHer bold honesty gives me great hope, for public schools and for this free, yet not-so-free-of-conscience, land. What promise in the generations to come!
"Even though we are alike in ways we are also different in ways." How very profound, these words. To find connection, comfort, and support in similarities and differences alike -- not simply with another human being, but with the God of all creation -- is an amazing testament to the loving, trusting relationship He offers us in Christ.
To my young fellow writer, artist, and sister in Christ: you have taught me much this evening, dear one.
God bless you,
Healed
Thank you! I will be passing all the kind, encouraging words received on to Kathryn ...
DeleteYou are beautiful inside and out my niece! You have such a wonderful heart for Jesus!
ReplyDeleteAnd her brother and sisters and cousins join her in loving their precious Savior ...
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