Listening as an Act of Love

A few weeks ago, I posted a book about listening to godly sounds. Violinist Joshua Bell playing in a subway was the story in that post. Check it out HERE. Today’s listening is about perhaps the most holy kind of listening we humans can do... listening to a family member, friend, or even a stranger who is hurting. This is the best book I know about that holy practice. Like other excellent picture books, it is rich with tender meaning and encompasses all kinds of humanity, including humor, in its clever images and words.

Picture Book: The Rabbit Listened

Author & Illustrator: Cori Doerrfeld 

Summary: Taylor, a young child, begins to build “something amazing.” This wise author doesn’t use pronouns so Taylor can be whoever you want. Disaster strikes and all blocks fall! Taylor does too.

A series of animals comes to help Taylor cope. There’s a chicken that talks too much, an angry bear that wants to yell on Taylor’s behalf, and an elephant who wants to help Taylor remember. The ostrich’s strategy is predictable! The snake’s suggestion made me ssssmile.

“But Taylor didn’t feel like doing anything with anybody.” Yay, Taylor for knowing that! Once finally alone and in the quiet, Taylor is quietly joined by a rabbit. We don’t know if they are friends. Does it matter? After the silence, Taylor asks the rabbit to stay. Then the rabbit listens and listens and listens. Now that Taylor is ready, some of the responses that were suggested earlier now feel just right. Taylor vents, blames, and remembers. Again, “When the time was right,” Taylor details plans to build again. The rabbit listens some more as Taylor dreams of an even more amazing build next time.

Hanna’s Comments: Did you think of yourself as you heard my quick summary? I hope so! Did you think of others who have tried to help you, but the timing or remedy wasn’t right? They didn’t come in quiet, did they? Long ago, I remember hearing Krista Tippett on the On Being podcast interview Parker Palmer about a terrible bout of depression during which he was in the bed for days, maybe weeks. A friend came regularly to give him a silent foot rub. Wow! What love! What empathy! What a godly neighbor!

Original Publisher: Dial Books, 2018

Age Appropriateness: 3 and up

Formats other than Book: Audio & tablet

Scripture Connections: Any scripture about God being a comforter and listener. So many! The great commandment: Love your neighbor as yourself! Any Jesus story where his first response is to listen. Ruth and Naomi, because they were present for each other through a difficult series of tragedies and a long, dangerous journey! I bet they took turns listening. Why don’t we talk about their journey more?

Connections to The Revised Common Lectionary: I have listed this book for 4 lessons in my 3-year RCL-based Trinity Treasures preschool curriculum. Those 4 lesson themes are: The Trinity: Our Helpers, God Hears Cries, God’s Mothering Love, and Ruth & Naomi.

PBT Applications: Read this book to a group of young parents or teens. Then talk about the power of being present to (and not immediately fixing) another’s pain. Then you LISTEN as they tell stories of listening, not listening, and not being heard. Together vow to do better because it is a godly practice, good for all of us. 

One more thing: (forgive me) I know a few pastors who could use this book. There's a gift idea! 

If you are interested in learning more about my Trinity Treasures, a scripture based preschool Sunday school curriculum that features picture books & children’s Bibles, contact me at hannaschock@bellsouth.net. Right now, free lessons are emailed if you agree to fill out the monthly feedback form.

Mindfulness, Resilience, & Spiritual Growth

Many are hurting today because of grief, fear, destruction, displacement, violence from storms, and violence from humans. This post is a reminder that even in the worst of circumstances, resilience has us clinging to hope found in the grace and gifts of every moment, particularly prayer and community. My prayer is that this book is a small reminder to pay attention to the love of God, a love that is never separated from us. 

Picture Book: Now

Author & Illustrator:  Antoinette Portis

Summary: Like the Portis book featured on Friday, bright images capture the joy of a moment, this time for a young girl who has many favorites: a favorite breeze, 

a favorite leaf, 

 a favorite hole,  

 even favorite mud. 

Then she explains the reason why. This cloud is her favorite because it is the one she is watching now.

Now is key, not just the title of the book. Even rain is enjoyed because this wise girl is able to glory in the present moment  

using her body & senses to fully experience the world. 

She squeezes out of her experiences gratitude that promotes mental health and an ever increasing capacity to pay attention to what is good in our world.

Her delight grounds her in the mantra that I've been told is a key to my spiritual growth, "Be here now." 

Her spontaneity and joy would be a welcome "witness" to a faith family wanting basic spiritual practices 

and reminders of grounding scripture such as O taste and see that the Lord is good. (Ps. 34:8a). 

 Naturally, this kind of enthusiasm can be contagious, 

affecting people (animals too!) throughout a community learning to revel in all that is good in God's creation. 

Look around. Is this your favorite now simply because you are alive?

Do you see beauty? Can you find a bit of God's grace?

Perhaps you are having this precious moment with the ones you love most. If so, savor now and be thankful.

Hanna’s Comments: The girl in this book has a knack for mindfulness and an on-going sense of joy and gratitude. Mindfulness, as defined by The American Psychological Association (APA), is “moment-to-moment awareness of one’s experience." Add to it a sense of gratitude and enthusiasm for life such as this young girl demonstrates and you have a faith response, a sort of active meditation or prayer. The APA lists the benefits of mindfulness meditation: reduced rumination (repeated thoughts), stress reduction (less anxiety & depression), improved short-term memory, heightened focus & attention, less emotional reactivity, greater cognitive flexibility, and more relationship satisfaction. Check out details [here] or explore mindfulness through one of the many books for adults or children at your library. For a thoroughly spiritual angle, read Brother Lawrence's classic book The Practice of the Presence of God. [Here's] an Amazon link.

Original Publisher & Date: Roaring Brook Press, 2015

Age & Grade Appropriateness: 2 and up, Toddler and up

Formats other than Book: Tablet

Scripture Connections: O taste and see that the Lord is good. (Psalm 34:8a). Delight yourself in the Lord and receive the desires of your heart (Psalm 37:4); A joyful heart is good medicine (Proverbs 17:22); Nothing can separate us from God's love (Romans 8:38-39); Rejoice in the Lord always (Philippians 4:4)

Idea(s) for Application: Read this book to a group of children or adults and talk about the spiritual and health benefits of mindfulness and how it relates to grateful prayer, mental health, and resilience. 

Companions During Change

Picture Book: It Will Be Okay: Trusting God Through                                      Fear and Change

Author: Lysa TerKeurst

Illustrator: Natalie Moore

Summary: Little Seed  

 and Little Fox

face great changes in this story. During a storm, Little Fox is afraid

and runs into the shed where Little Seed is kept in a packet on a shelf. Little Fox knocks the shelf, the packet falls to the ground, and Little Seed rolls out, confronting Little Fox immediately. 

Once Little Fox explains his fear, he asks if he can live in the shed with Little Seed. 

They become companions and are thankful for the Farmer who is good, kind, and watching over them. God is the Farmer in this story who keeps both characters safe but encourages their growth. 

Their trust in the Farmer is tested when he addresses Little Seed, saying “I have a wonderful plan for you...today is the day!” As Little Seed is planted, the Farmer says, “You can trust me.”

Little Fox looks for Little Seed 

until he hears Little Seed from the soil. 

Night and day, Little Fox stays beside Little Seed; both are scared and lonely even though the Farmer’s loving attention is evident. 

They learn to believe, “It will be okay.” Eventually, Little Seed pushes through the soil, becoming something new and amazing. 

 Little Fox greets Little Seed,  

and as seasons come and go, Little Fox grows too.

Both learn to trust the Farmer, knowing that God’s attention and loving kindness mean it will be okay.

Hanna’s Comments: This book is unusual among the 600 or so PBT books here on the website. It is a secular story with an obvious God character so it bridges that gap between secular and sacred texts. What I especially like is the subject. Trusting in God’s presence and wisdom in times of uncertainty or fear is a crucial message for children to hear at home and in their faith communities. This story will encourage talk about how change can be scary. Teach strategies that will remind your audience that God is present in all situations. God’s comfort can be experienced and hope for good results is possible. I really like the page near the front of this book that lists 10 Scriptures to Memorize with Your Kids. Lysa TerKeurst is the bestselling author of several books for adults, especially Christian women. You might have heard of The Best Yes, Made to Crave, and Unglued. You’ll find her website [here].

Original Publisher & Date: Tommy Nelson, 2014

Age & Grade Appropriateness: 4 and up, Pre and up

Formats other than Book: Tablet

Scripture Connections: Any one of the ten scriptures listed near the front of this book.

Idea(s) for Application: Read this book to a group of children in your faith family in a lesson on trusting God or feeling God’s comfort during uncertainty. Emphasize the importance of having supportive companions.

New Blog Series - PBT's Grab & Go #2

Here's another secular book, already featured on PBT, that is super easy to use in sacred settings. Just read my post below, grab the book, and go. Consider your audience when deciding which to offer first, the story or scripture. Then simply encourage your listeners (children or adults) to find the connections and consider where the holiness is in these wonderful pages. 

Picture Book: A Sick Day for Amos McGee

Author: Philip C. Stead

Illustrator: Erin E. Stead

Summary: Amos is a volunteer at a zoo where he has hilarious daily rituals with specific animals. The day he doesn’t show up, a group of his animal friends rides the bus to his home to check on him and engage in those important rituals. Because of Amos’ low energy, some rituals have to be adapted. Soon all are ready for a good night’s sleep at Amos’ house, all snuggled in together.  

Hanna’s Comments: This story is full of ministry applications because Amos and the animals are so attentive and present with one another in their rituals. Additionally, the story and illustrations are hilarious! It would be a wonderful gift for someone who is recuperating from an illness or a grandchild whose grandparent is ill. I recently read this book to an adult Sunday School class and they loved it! There were obvious connections between Amos’ daily inclinations and the way Jesus would meet people right where they were and give healing and attention.
Original Publisher & Date: Roaring Brook Press, 2010

Age and Grade Appropriateness: 3 and up, Preschool and up

Formats other than Book: Audio book

Scripture Connections: The Woman at the Well (John 4), 3 of the Beatitudes – Blessed are the meek, the merciful, and the pure in heart (Matthew 5)

Idea(s) for Application: Use this book as a part of a Stephen Ministry (or any caregiving) training. For children, this book could help explore subjects of honoring and respecting elderly family members or church members.