For Josiah, A Prayer for Savoring

Today is my son Josiah’s first full day of college. This book reminds me of him. I hurried along, tugging on his little arm too often. I wish I had let him show me more of God’s joys along our routes. Today my prayer for Josiah is that he savors his precious college experiences. My prayer for you is for less rushing and more savoring of the goodness the Lord gives us everyday. 

Picture Book: Wait

Author & Illustrator:  Antoinette Portis

Summary: Throughout these pages, a young son and his mother hurry through a cityscape. 

He is dragged along by a mama intent on going somewhere. Now and then she pauses for him to fully experience what he sees. 

But then she hurries him along.

He is friendly with fascinating strangers

and lends a hand to feed birds as his mom rushes farther. 

He longs for something sweet, 

but alas, his mom pulls him along. 

He manages to stop at a pet store window, delighted by God's creatures, but he is allowed only a moment. 

He cleverly notices possibilities few would see, 

savoring with touch and amazement. 

Rain comes, but he doesn't mind, more to feel and taste! 

The hurrying continues, and now mom must contend with umbrellas and slippery steps. 

Eventually, they near their destination, a bus for the next leg of their journey.  

But this time, the boy is determined his mom won't miss the best gift of the morning.

And again, she listens to his pleas to savor, 

and is glad she did.

Hanna’s Comments: Have you noticed the number of books for children and adults on mindfulness? This is partially due to the health benefits of slowing down and savoring with practices like mindfulness. Science also shows that we harm our bodies and mental health when we don't take the time to savor and truly experience each day. With three simple words, this illustrator offers a lesson in savoring the day, mindfulness in motion. People of faith can take a deeper step by offering prayers of gratitude for simple joys along the way. Let this picture book begin a conversation with children or adults about all the daily evidence of the Lord's goodness and how contemplation of those joys makes for a better day by grounding us in God's gifts. My next PBT post will be a similar book by Portis entitled Now where I'll explore more about the practice of mindfulness.

Original Publisher & Date: Roaring Brook Press, 2017

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

Formats other than Book: Tablet

Scripture Connections: Oh taste and see that the Lord is good (Psalm 34:8a); Delight yourself in the Lord... (Psalm 37:4); They who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength (Isaiah 40:31); Do not be conformed to this world but be transformed by the renewal of your mind (Romans 12:2); Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above (James 1:17); be patient in your waiting (James 5:7-10)

Idea(s) for Application: Read this book to small group of adults and explore how to increase mindfulness and gratitude for better health, more meaning, and gratitude to God.

PBT Series Grab & Go #11 - 14 Cows for America

The anniversary of the tragedy of 9/11/2001 is nearing so I thought I’d offer a repost of an inspirational story resulting from that event.  Today my feature is a part of the PBT Grab & Go Series featuring books that would be easy lessons for faith families. 14 Cows for America quickly inspires thinking and conversation about compassion, generosity, and international relationships. This picture book was offered in a Dynamic Duo during PBT's first year. I paired it with another story in which Africans responded generously to American suffering. Check out that post [here].

Picture Book: 14 Cows for America

Author: Carmen Agra Deedy

Illustrator: Thomas Gonzalez

Collaborator: Wilson Kimeli Naiyomah

Summary: Months after the World Trade Towers were destroyed, a Kenyan student, who was in New York City on that day, returned to his beloved Maasai tribe and shared the story. Greatly affected by the terrible events, Kimeli asked the elders to ceremoniously bless the giving of his only cow, a valuable gift. For the Maasai, the cow is life. This ritual is seen as a way of taking on some of America’s pain. Moved by the story, the elders agreed. When an American diplomat came to the blessing ceremony, his country was given not 1 but 14 cows. This true story of international compassion and generosity has been shared around the globe and continues to inspire. 

Hanna’s Comments: Although this story is about Kenyan Maasai and the USA, it is a story that can bless those in any community in which international connections are valued and compassion ignores borders. Be sure to read Kimeli’s Afterward. This book is the first in a PBT Dynamic Duo. Tomorrow’s PBT offering is another picture book involving an African tribe’s desire to give to a suffering New York City during The Great Depression of the 1930s.  

Original Publisher & Date: Peachtree Publishers, 2009

Age and Grade Appropriateness:  7 and up, 2nd and up

Available in Spanish? Yes

Formats other than Book: Find more information at www.14cowsforamerica.com, including a Teacher’s Guide and news of the flag commemorating this gift.

Scripture Connections: Giving to the poor (Proverbs 19:17, 25:21, 28:27), To the least of these (Matthew 25), the Gentile churches give to the suffering in the Jerusalem church (Romans 15: 22-29, 1 Corinthians 16:1-4, 2 Corinthians 8: 1-15)

Idea(s) for Application: Read this book as part of a sermon or lesson about giving across international borders when a community is suffering.

Healing

After re-posting on Monday a beautiful book about a flood, I thought I’d follow up with a profound book about healing. Aspects of healing are as varied and multifaceted as the people who must endure. Because the following book is child-like, you might assume it only appropriate for children. Instead, consider how this simple book can gently welcome conversations about healing in many contexts and for people of all ages. The story is mostly told through images so be sure to give ample time to show your audience the many illustrations. 

Picture Book: How to Heal a Broken Wing

Author & Illustrator: Bob Graham 

Summary: In a crowded city, 

no one sees a bird slam into a sky scraper and fall. 

It lands in the middle of a city square.

No one sees it lying near their rushing feet. 

But when Will and his mother enter from the subway 

and cross the square, Will sees the bird and immediately breaks away from the security of his mother’s hand 

to go to the hurt bird. 

He picks it up 

just as his mother comes for him.  

Seeing its broken wing, she wraps it in her scarf and places it in her purse, a makeshift nest. Meanwhile, Will retrieves a feather, just in case. 

They turn around and take the bird home, errand forgotten. 

Upon arrival, Will’s father is concerned. 

When Will gives him the feather, Will's father explains that “a loose feather can’t be put back…” 

“but a broken wing can sometimes heal.” 

The family finds a new bandage, a box, and a food dish. 

With tender, loving care they help the bird begin to heal. Both Will and bird rest well that night. 

The loving family gets a bird cage, and places it on the window sill so the bird doesn’t forget its possibilities and bird friends. 

Healing takes time so days are marked with a calendar and the moon’s phases. 

Time passes and eventually, the bandage is removed and flying practice begins. 

The first try doesn’t go well. 

But hope is not lost. 

After more healing (and likely flying practice) they decide to take the bird back to the place where Will found it, encouragement to fly high again. 

They travel back to the city square, but not before Will retrieves the lone feather, just in case. 

Will takes the bird, lifts and opens his hands,… 

and the bird is off! The family watches as it soars to heights 

and leaves them with a small reminder.

Hanna’s Comments: As I hear of the suffering in Texas, Louisiana, India, and Niger, I have thought often of my friend, Trudi Mullens, who lost her house and all its contents in Hurricane Katrina. So many veterans of storms are haunted by these present devastations. When you live through trauma, healing lasts a lifetime. Most of us are on a healing journey so a picture book about healing is for everyone. Trudi told me something profound about how tragedy always feels personal, even when it’s not, as in a natural disaster. I know this is true. Perhaps this tendency to take it personally explains why the healing journey is so long. Three weeks after the storm, when a group of strangers, a “mud out” crew, came to her home to drag away its contents and sheet rock, Trudi had a surprising rush of tears. She was no longer alone. This was a next healing step in Trudi’s long healing journey. She was to learn that healing is best done in community, community that realizes there are few quick fixes and long listening is crucial. Like in this picture book, time, tenderness, and attention are required. And like the family in this story who stands at the window with the bird, hope grounds healing for everyone involved. May it be so for all those who need healing today and all who love them.

Original Publisher & Date: Candlewick Press, 2008

Age & Grade Appropriateness: 3 and up, Pre and up

Formats other than Book: None at present

Scripture Connections: And now, O Lord, for what do I wait? My hope is in you. (Psalm 39:7); Those who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength (Isaiah 40:11); I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous hand. (Isaiah 41:10) Faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. (Hebrews 11:1)

Idea(s) for Application: Read this book to any group of people in your faith family and explore aspects of healing and hope.