After getting in trouble last night, our 13-year-old daughter brought my husband this poem: You think you can change me I'm telling you now, just give up I love God, that will never change but you doubt me, thinking I'm locked up in chains I know I'm a disappointment, and you wish I wasn't here But don't worry, as soon as I'm out I'll never come back So why don't you just let me fade to black I'll never crawl back to my mommy and daddy I don't care if you call me stupid I'm sick of all the times you've mocked me I know this person sounds like shit So might as well just forget it |
I've decided to write my response to her line-by-line and I am sharing it here with you since I've kept our blog pretty anonymous. I want to be able to post from the trenches, keeping it real and protecting our privacy while sharing with others via the community online. (Because let's face it, sometimes, when things really hit the fan in our families, turning to an online, anonymous resource sometimes (not always) sounds more welcoming that calling our best friend, aunt, grandma, mother-in-law, etc. and getting their advice/judgement.) This "journaling" style response to a torked off teen is one of the more effective things I've done. Taking the time to examine it for what it is (when my heart and my teen are trying to provoke an impulse response) and answer rationally is a great way to diffuse a situation by speaking a kind word and speaking the truth in love. It's that "intentional parenting" thing I daily fail at but happened to nail this time via the Holy Spirit. Here are my line by line responses, please take a minute to read them:
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I wanted to get some really GREAT kids stories into our homeschool library, so I spent an hour or so one night (after everyone else was in bed) just searching for Christian books for kids that had good reviews. I am very stingy with money, and almost always buy my books used, typically with free shipping. I have to be very sure I will LOVE a book to purchase it for more than $2 out of pocket. (Most of my online book purchases fall between $3.95-$5 per book including shipping and handling. Check out my links for families to see what online book selling sites I recommend comparison shopping at before making a purchase.) I ordered this book solely based on what I read from reviews posted about it. I spent more than I typically do for a kids' storybook. I do not regret it. I think it is worth full price, I think it is worth more than that. I read this book and it touched my heart. The story is not complicated or complex. It is not a plot filled with many characters and twists and turns in events. It is straightforward and transparent. You find out who each of the two main characters are- who they really are deep inside- and you will inevitably relate in some way to at least one of them, most likely to both. Anyone who has struggled with a sense of inadequacy, lack of self worth, indecisiveness, shyness, depression, anxiety, fear, worry, doubt, frustration, disappointment, shame, etc. can relate to Sidney. Anyone who has ever felt that they are doing okay, or doing good, or that life is going well, having a sense of satisfaction, accomplishment, confidence, self assurance, contentment, pride, etc. will be able to relate to Norman. This book will help those who relate more to Sidney to take heart and feel less scrutinized by the "Normans" in life, to remind them that their value and identity is not based on their performance or lack thereof. It will also compel those more like Norman to look, not with indifference or even disdain, but with compassion and love toward those who do not appear on the outward to be as "together". This is a timely and also timeless call to action. We all need to allow our minds to be renewed by the inner workings of the Holy Spirit. None of us can clearly see ourselves, or others, as God does. We need to remember that our perception of reality is tainted by sin and the only way to obtain a True view is to seek God, for He is Truth. He will shed Light on all matters, including the state of our hearts and thoughts. Absolutely read the note after the story at the end of the book. It is profound. After reading this book to my 5 year old, he asked several questions throughout the day. Good questions, honest questions, heart questions. He wanted to know "why" and "why not" about God's love and how we are to respond to it, as well as how individuals interact with each other. This book is valuable to me as a teaching tool because it is not all symbolic or metaphoric. It's not a parable that I have to try and retell in a fashion that allows my children to see what the "moral of the story" was. They hear the story and in plain words (a few "big" words to my five year old, but he was so enthralled in the story he actually didn't stop me once to ask what they meant- typically he has to find out before allowing me to continue...), the author clearly states what he hopes kids will take away from the book. I love it. I would give it 10 stars if the rating systems would let me. I plan to purchase additional copies (and I am cheap, as you may have figured) to give away as gifts. |
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January 2022
Blog Hopping?I am not much of a blog reader. There's only a couple I check on occasion:
HisPoetry.blogspot.com Love this girl's writing... feels like she's a long distance friend. Well, her sister is my long-distance friend, so that probably helps. Either way, what an inspiration and encouragement- you just need to check out some of the places life has taken Leah and be strengthened and inspired by the love that oozes (yes, oooozes) from her heart for Jesus, His people and His creation! chocolatecoveredkatie.com If you like nummy recipes, or have special dietary needs (or both!) check it out. ALL of her recipes are Vegan, and many can be made gluten-free. I stumbled upon it when searching for dairy/egg free treats to make for my kiddo and have gotten hooked on several recipes. Okay, "hooked on" doesn't portray it well enough. How about "addicted to"? That's more fitting. Will definitely be going back for more! |