Along with the good memories of my friend, not so good childhood memories came flooding back as well. In this flood of memories I remembered what it was like to feel very different from everyone around you as a child and how devastating that can be. Simultaneously, I looked around to see children who are different in some way and started thinking about the importance of other children learning to ignore ”imperfections” in others and look for and value what is inside instead.
Also, as is now, there was a huge amount of media attention constantly being focused on things such as socio-economic and racial differences and our inability to unite as a country. Violence and discord were and are constantly showcased rather than the many ways that we are united and in one accord.
Is it possible there would be more unity if we all just followed God’s laws and remembered that ALL lives matter to God and should matter to us as well? As with all lessons, a good place to start learning that is one child at a time. Your child!!!!
After I had mulled all this over for days and weeks I woke up early one morning and started the story of “Abby the Dog and Tigger the Cat, A Story of Friendship”. It is actually a true story including real life animals and some actual events in the development of their friendship which portrays the importance of overlooking outward appearance or differences of any kind.
Once again I had been given a small story with big lessons!
Next time we will move on to new upcoming book, “The I Did That Cat”.
Biblical Inspiration: I Peter 3:3-4 – Rather, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight.
Biblical Inspiration: Matthew 23:27-28 – Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you are like whitewashed tombs which on the outside appear beautiful, but inside they are full of dead men’s bones and all uncleanness. So you, too, outwardly appear righteous to men, but inwardly you are of hypocrisy and lawlessness.
Biblical Inspiration: 1 Samuel 16:7 – But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not look at his appearance or at the height of his stature, because I have rejected him; for God sees not as man sees, for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.”
Lesson in a Nutshell: Teach your children not to judge a person by their outward appearance but to look inside instead.
Lesson in a Nutshell: Remember that all lives matter regardless of socio-economic background, skin color, or any other factor.
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