I can do my best to try to shield my kids from the messages I hear around us.
You know, the commercials that “work” because they breed discontentment and the “if only”s. The verbiage that it only matters that we try our best, but the obvious glory assigned to winning and being the best. Be stronger. Do more. Say different things. Wear different things. Live somewhere different. Be someone different.
But, I can’t keep them from hearing it. But, I can speak truth to them and make sure they hear some other messages.
We watched the new Veggie Tales movie this week–The Penniless Princess, their take on the old Shirley Temple classic, a story of riches to rags, of knowing who you really are, of sacrificial giving, of loving the least of these, of knowing the Truth and living it out even when it seems impossible, of great loss and redemption, of an earthly adoption. A story chock full of the messages I want them to hear…
“You’re never alone”
“You’re a child of the King.”
“In good times and bad times, He’s right by your side.”
“Even if we look like servants on the outside, we’re princesses on the inside.”
“Kindness is contagious; when others see our kindness, they realize how much they have to give.”
and my favorite…
“No matter what, I am loved; so I will love, no matter what.”
And, as I sat there to watch it with them, I realized these are messages I need to hear too.
Yup, God can speak through animated celery stalks, asparagus spears, and bunches of broccoli.
We all liked it so much around here that we want you to have your own copy. Watch it with your kids. Or, watch it alone and be fed through some organic greens.
Just leave a comment before the end of the day Thursday with a message you’ve heard recently that was just what you needed to hear. Maybe it was from something you read online, an encouraging or challenging word from your child or a friend, the message sent just to you through a song you heard in the car…share whatever it was (and a way to contact you).
On Friday, we’ll randomly pick one of ya’ll to get your own copy of The Penniless Princess.
Looking forward to reading some comments here.