The words of the frustrated mother on the other end of the phone took me by surprise. What could be wrong with her cute little daughter who sparkled with the joy of living? She had seemed happy enough in class last week.
Over the past four weeks, I had been telling my Sunday School class of eight and nine-year-olds the story of Jesus' last week on earth. As a story-teller I had put myself into the scenes, bringing out the drama and tension as far as I thought was wise for such young children. The previous Sunday I had taught them about the crucifixion, ending at the point where Jesus had died. I was careful to tell the story as simply as possible, not wanting to scare the children with the gory details, but at the same time I wanted them to understand that from a human point of view, Jesus was dead. After all, how would they appreciate the incredible miracle of the resurrection if they didn't accept He had first really died. I ended on a positive note—I thought. "That's not the end of the story!" I assured them. "Come back next week and hear what happens next!"
I sat outside in the garden nursing a glass of cold lemonade as I told the little girl the next part of the Easter story. I watched as she narrowed her blue eyes for a moment. Suddenly I saw a spark flash in her eyes as they widened in amazement.
"You mean, he's alive?"
"Yes, He's alive," I assured her. "And He's watching over you right now. He loves you so much."
As I took my leave of the precious little girl and her relieved mother, I marvelled at the reality of that child's faith. When had I last been broken-hearted over the torture and death of my Lord? Had I become so used to the Easter story that I'd got used to glossing over the details? How I rejoiced that I'd been able to assure Bridget that Jesus was very much alive. I resolved there and then never to leave Jesus hanging on a cross "until next week's thrilling instalment." Never again would I leave the story of Jesus unfinished!
SHIRLEY CORDER lives on the coast in South Africa with her husband, Rob. Her book, Strength Renewed: Meditations for your Journey through Breast Cancer contains 90 meditations based on her time in the cancer valley.
Please visit Shirley through ShirleyCorder.com, where she encourages writers, or at RiseAndSoar.com, where she encourages those in the cancer valley. You can also meet with her on Twitter or FaceBook.
She still loves telling the stories of Jesus, but she never leaves them unfinished!
Over the past four weeks, I had been telling my Sunday School class of eight and nine-year-olds the story of Jesus' last week on earth. As a story-teller I had put myself into the scenes, bringing out the drama and tension as far as I thought was wise for such young children. The previous Sunday I had taught them about the crucifixion, ending at the point where Jesus had died. I was careful to tell the story as simply as possible, not wanting to scare the children with the gory details, but at the same time I wanted them to understand that from a human point of view, Jesus was dead. After all, how would they appreciate the incredible miracle of the resurrection if they didn't accept He had first really died. I ended on a positive note—I thought. "That's not the end of the story!" I assured them. "Come back next week and hear what happens next!"
They had all left laughing and shoving each other, racing to be the first out the door. I tried to remember if Bridget had been among the happy gang of hooligans. I couldn't remember.
When I arrived at her home, her mother came out to greet me. She told me how her daughter had returned from Sunday School distraught. When it came to saying her prayers that night, she didn't want to say them. "Jesus is dead!" she sobbed. Nothing her mother could say would reassure her. Aunty Shirley had said Jesus was dead, so He was dead. What was the point of praying? Why say grace at mealtimes? Jesus wasn't there any more. After several days of trying to reason with the child, her mother decided to get me over to sort out the mess I'd created.
When I arrived at her home, her mother came out to greet me. She told me how her daughter had returned from Sunday School distraught. When it came to saying her prayers that night, she didn't want to say them. "Jesus is dead!" she sobbed. Nothing her mother could say would reassure her. Aunty Shirley had said Jesus was dead, so He was dead. What was the point of praying? Why say grace at mealtimes? Jesus wasn't there any more. After several days of trying to reason with the child, her mother decided to get me over to sort out the mess I'd created.
I sat outside in the garden nursing a glass of cold lemonade as I told the little girl the next part of the Easter story. I watched as she narrowed her blue eyes for a moment. Suddenly I saw a spark flash in her eyes as they widened in amazement.
"You mean, he's alive?"
"Yes, He's alive," I assured her. "And He's watching over you right now. He loves you so much."
As I took my leave of the precious little girl and her relieved mother, I marvelled at the reality of that child's faith. When had I last been broken-hearted over the torture and death of my Lord? Had I become so used to the Easter story that I'd got used to glossing over the details? How I rejoiced that I'd been able to assure Bridget that Jesus was very much alive. I resolved there and then never to leave Jesus hanging on a cross "until next week's thrilling instalment." Never again would I leave the story of Jesus unfinished!
Yes, Jesus died. He died on that cruel cross for me. But the story didn't end there. He's alive!
Please visit Shirley through ShirleyCorder.com, where she encourages writers, or at RiseAndSoar.com, where she encourages those in the cancer valley. You can also meet with her on Twitter or FaceBook.
She still loves telling the stories of Jesus, but she never leaves them unfinished!
I love this story, it has such a powerful message.Thank you for sharing it with us.
ReplyDeleteThanks Ruth. Yes, it had a message for me that I've never forgotten!
ReplyDeleteOh, aren't children wonderful! They want to know Jesus and will ask and ask until they reach an understanding of Him that works in their life.
ReplyDeleteYou're right Sara. No doubt this was what Jesus meant when He said, "Out of the mouths of babes..."
DeleteI thank God that Bridget's mom was perceptive enough to get to the root of the problem. Not all parents listen like that. Also that she trusted you enough to know you'd go over and reassure Bridget. Not all teachers would do that.
ReplyDeleteYou're right Janet, yet from my side it was a sobering visit. I was a mother of three young children and I considered myself a good teacher. How could I have messed up so badly? The fact is all the other kids were fine. Little Bridget was just so tender-hearted and open to what the Lord wanted to do in her life.
DeleteShirley, what a wonderful story.Glad it all worked out. Kids really do listen and you never know how something you say will affect them. It really is a fine line. Good lesson for next time.:)
ReplyDeleteThanks Karen. You're right. I'm confident Bridget will never forget the truth of Jesus' resurrection and I will never again tell the unfinished story!
ReplyDeleteShirl, lovely post. Thanks for sharing Bridget's story with us. I'm sure she won't forget!
ReplyDeleteThanks Narelle. I hope she won't, and I certainly won't!
DeleteOh, I can so relate! You made me laugh and gave me something to ponder...thank you Shirley! :)
ReplyDeleteThanks Sue. Yes, it is funny but also a huge warning isn't it?
DeleteMay we all have a heart like this young girl! Thank you for sharing.
ReplyDeleteYes Lisa, you're right. Oh that I had such an awareness of the price Jesus paid at Calvary for me!
Delete