As I have shared in past blogs my heart has long been for children who are marginalized. I know that it is God who has put this love and purpose in my heart and I pray that He will continue to teach me and encourage me to speak out for them.
In this book, Stafford recounts his experiences growing up as a missionary child in the Ivory Coast in West Africa. His experiences, both positive and negative, inspired him to start Compassion International. To begin to meet the needs of children who are hurting, but who are not given a voice.
In the beginning of the book he speaks of cultural differences. He remarks what a shame it is that we, in America, rush our children to grow up so that they can finally live. In Africa, his experience was much different as he was able to grow up in the adult community, being given responsibilities at a young age that gave him purpose in his community. So often, we Americans encourage our children to play house or play kitchen or play action video games, rather than truly living experiential childhoods. Not saying that safety shouldn't be considered, but I think that children grow into what they know. If we respect them, and give them responsibility and encouragement, naturally, they are going to be positively influential in society. If, however, we "shush" them, and tell them that "when you grow up..." we are stifling an energy that will begin to go away.
There are so many parts to this book. Stafford recounts the heart-breaking injustices of children who are educated and treated by uncaring and abusive people, to which others turn their heads. He also recounts biblical stories that show us that Jesus truly cared for children. Not only that, Jesus often called adults to be more like children (Matthew 18:3) and he also loved for the children to seek him (Matthew 19:14).
If Jesus is to be our model, and I am striving to live a life that reflects that, I know my heart for children needs to be used in big ways.
I know this is fragmented, my thoughts could go on about this book. If you pick it up and read it, let me know, I'd love to talk!!!
1 comment:
oh my goodness, I see this in my students every day. Their passions are never cultivated, they are asked to "wait until they are older" then they enter high school and they don't know how to do anything themselves and they don't know where they are headed in life. This sounds like a book for anyone who works with students...
On a side note: Rachel Carter is awesome!
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