Proud Momma

Some things seem so simple in the eyes of a child. Ella, my almost 6 year old, came home from school at the beginning of the week telling me about the issues she was having with another girl in her class. I thought this was strange because Ella has yet to have any "issue" with any child in her class and the school year is almost over. In fact on her report card sent home a few months ago the comment from Mrs. Evans was, "Ella is a friend to all." So I put aside what I was doing and asked Ella to tell me what happened with Shanine (that's what we'll call her). She continued on to tell me that Shanine was blamming stuff on her that she did not do and that she would take her supplies from her and not give them back. I asked Ella how she responded to Shanine when she was mean to her. She told me she did nothing and just tried to ignore it. Which is a great answer but then I remembered what she learned in Church this past weekend. She learned that she can tell others that Jesus loves them with words and with actions and that sometimes people just really need to hear it. I reminded Ella what she had been learning and asked her if she thought Shanine knew that Jesus loved her? To which she said, "of course mom, everyone knows that." I said, "Not everyone knows that and sometimes that they just need to hear that someone loves them." I challenged Ella to tell Shanine that Jesus loved her the next time she started bothering her at school the next day. Her response wasn't great - she wasn't thrilled - she was a bit scared - but she didn't shut me down either. Not really thinking that she would even remember this conversation I tucked her in and told her I loved her.

The next day Ella comes home from school and tells me that Shanine was being mean to her again. I asked her what happened and she told me she took her math block during free time. Ella said she looked for another one but couldn't find anymore -then she looked at Shanine and said, "Shanine, Jesus loves you." I quickly asked Ella what Shanine said in return and Ella and she said, (with her hands on her hip) well, I don't love Jesus!" I laughed nervously and asked Ella what she said next. "Well mom," she said, "I told her that's fine but I am going to tell her everyday until she believes me!"
That next morning I walked into Ella's school to drop her off (yes I am one of those mom's that walks all the way in). Ella's teacher was waiting for me with a huge smile on her face. She told me what had happened between Ella and her little friend Shanine the day before and told me how proud I should be of Ella and her willingness to put herself out there and be rejected. I was very proud indeed and that level of pride grew all throughout the day as I began to realize what a huge thing this was for Ella to accomplish at such a young age. I still hold back sharing Christ's love with others because I fear rejection. I fear that I won't have the right words or my life might not live up to the example Christ calls us to set. I most certainly fear that uncomfortable feeling that comes over a conversation that takes a turn not both parties want to take. Sure, I share Christ in my actions on a daily basis. But I am less willing to verbalize how much God loves someone when I am not sure how they will respond - especially someone that is being mean to me!!!

What changes? What changes to make us care more about what others think of us than follow through on what God has called us to do. And why do we stop after one try? Why are will not willing to remind them every single day until they believe us? Why are we so easily defeated?

I have been challenged by my five-year old this week. To step it out and share the message -even everyday if someone needs me to - at least until they believe it!

Thanks Ella for your faith! And thank you for being willing to do what it takes!!! I love you!!!