Let the Children Come Unto Me

"Let the Children Come Unto Me"

This photo of my nephew reminds me of what Jesus says in Mark 10:14. Check out the link http://thechurchcalledlittle.org/let_the_children_come_unto_me.htm where the following poem comes from:

My Mommy scooped me up
And hugged me very tight.
"Come, let us follow Jesus.
The day is fine and bright.

"And maybe if it’s quiet
We’ll get to talk to Him
And maybe He will bless us—
Though the chances do look dim."

For on the road before us
A crowd went walking by
As others followed Jesus
Up to a mountain high.

My Mommy held my hand now
And soon we stopped to hear
Jesus speaking softly
To those who gathered near.

Then Mommy stepped up closer.
Soon we were at His side,
And Mommy said, "Please bless him!"
And Jesus’ arms spread wide.

But then a friend of Jesus
Pushed Mommy back away.
"Don’t bother Him with children!"
Was what I heard him say.

Oh! I was disappointed
And trying not to cry
But Jesus held and hugged me
Until my eyes were dry.

Then Jesus frowned at those
Who pushed me from His side.
"Do you not understand Me?
Let children come!" He cried.

"For all my kingdom’s glory
Is made for such as these
And you must be as children
If God is Whom you’d please."

Then Jesus smiled at Mommy
And blessed us both and prayed,
Then called the other children
And at His feet we played.

Fearless by Max Lucado

I just finished reading Max Lucado's newest release "Fearless".

I have always been a fan of Max Lucado's down-to-earth and inspirational presentation of biblical truths and "Fearless" did not disappoint.

In "Fearless", Lucado tackles the subject of fear using examples from everyday life and bible characters. He explores fears common to all and chapter by chapter points readers to the person of Jesus as the ultimate and only safe haven in a society riddled with overwhelming circumstances. He calls readers to face fears realistically but not to the point of paralysis.

"Fearless" is an easy and relevant read and I think it has something for everyone. The timing for this book couldn't be better due to the current global economic crisis and other looming issues such as the H1N1 virus, to which Lucado eludes, showing the book is indeed pertinent for these times.

If you are someone who enjoys the art of descriptive writing, as I do, you will like this book. Lucado's use of vivid imagery is evident in many of his writings but I think this book does a particularly good job of displaying his gift in a refreshing way. He allows the reader to identify with biblical characters from a unique perspective and includes healthy doses of scripture to convey his message. As well, Lucado reveals he is no stranger to fear himself and shares some of his own struggles which, in my opinion, makes the book more appealing.

If you are someone who likes a little bit of humour mixed in with what can become a pretty intense discussion at times, you will enjoy what I will refer to as "Lucado's Laughs". Fear is no laughing matter but Lucado handles the subject well with tasteful sprinklings of lighter moments throughout his intriguing storytelling.

Lucado presents his thoughts on the subject of fear in an authentic and thought-provoking manner. In "Fearless", he consistently inspires the reader to be hopeful and courageous in the midst of crisis. Lucado makes a point of stating that the very one we should look to during life's storms faced the ulimate fear of death himself.

While the issue of fear is common to all, probably the audience that would most benefit from Lucado's take on the topic is the typical westerner. That said though, maybe it is I, along with my fellow-westerners, who most struggles with this monster but that's a discussion for another day!