THE BIBLE
I have talked before about my grandmother’s Bible, but I desire to revisit this again. I was speaking to a very good friend about this and told her what an amazing story this was.
My grandmother kept a Bible in a box under her TV. When I was a child and would visit her, the Bible was always there ready for my eager hands to pore through its pages. I couldn’t read, but oh how I loved those pictures.
A picture at the beginning of that not so expensive Bible depicted Jesus in a famous painting. He stood outside a door knocking. It wasn’t until later I knew the outside of the door had no handle. It taught those that viewed the picture the only way to Him was to unlock their hearts and let Him in.
This Bible was given me by my grandmother, for she knew how much I loved it. I kept the Bible from her house to Dallas and back to live with them for a spell. It followed me on to Nevada. When I was removed from my home, I still didn’t remember taking the Bible, but it must have been precious to me for it followed me to the foster home in Nevada. It followed me on to Texas to another foster home. It was the first book I read, without having a full understanding, when I was placed in this new foster home the first day. I remember well sitting on the floor after having cried for my brothers. It was the only source of comfort and stability I had. Some two years later it would follow me to my adoptive home, where shortly after it went missing. I don’t know what happened to it, but feel certain it was taken from me to destroy any memory of my past life. I still think of it often.
I retold this story so other parents may know. God’s Word is the most precious gift you can give a child. My grandmother will never know what she did for me the day she gave her Bible. They never read it, nor had any religious affiliation. I alone used that Bible, and I find it astonishing it went with me for three or four years, and even more astonishing, I was able to keep up with it being just a child. I searched everywhere I knew for that Bible when it became lost, but without success.
In an era when every type of gaming system, computer, music, and cell phone is offered to young people, God’s Word is often left out. This Book of Books teaches children where they came from, and in whose image they are made. It indeed is a light forever more from birth to death and gives the greatest comfort, the sternest warnings, supreme guidance, and salvation for the rest of their lives. Numerous children’s books are available, but what more could a parent ask than God’s Word, to build their homes with God being the center of every decision made. And for their children to take with them the rest of their lives for all comfort and instruction to get from this life to the next.
“Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.” (Psalms 119:105)
I believe we sometimes don’t give the very young enough credit for being able to understand the lessons from God’s Word. Even today as I work with children, some have never learned of God, nor of Jesus. But they do know about cell phones and computers. I try to change that in small ways as I enter the building each morning. I look over at a table in the hall. Upon that table is God’s Word and a lamp which shines its light upon the book of Psalms. It is in full view of every teacher, visitor and student. I smile each time I see it. Along another wall is a paper chain of kindness the children have made recently.
“Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? But taking heed thereto according to Thy Word. With my whole heart have I sought Thee: O let me not wander from Thy commandments. Thy Word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against Thee. Blessed art Thou, O Lord: teach me Thy statutes.” (Psalms 119:9-12)
In a world which has lost its way. May we as parents, (for this is God’s charge to us) return to the Book which will guide our children for the rest of their life. We won’t regret it changing our life, and our children will thank us for it in the end.
“Teaching God’s Truth to your children will shape their character and determine their destiny.”
Eileen Light