Motherhood is an opportunity to bless, protect, enable and provide. Years ago these four word were impressed on my heart and have thought of them often.

On this Monday morning I would like to take a moment to focus on blessing our children. One of the ways that I have enjoyed blessing mine over the years is through reading and sharing stories of others. In Hebrews 11 we read about those that came before us had faith and we learn from them in numerous ways. I love reading this passage and appreciate the many times ‘By faith’ is repeated. Faith is fundamental to our belief in Jesus, “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—  not by works, so that no one can boast” Ephesians 2:8-9. 

When I find a wonderful resource, I enjoy it even more when I can tell with others what I have found. Today I share with you the book, Everyone A Child Should Know. Clare Heath-Whyte has researched and collected stories of others to inspire and encourage our children. There are 52 stories to read over a year. Each hero of faith has been intentionally chosen to allow our children to remember the importance of the faith of men and women in each of their own unique spheres of life. You encounter women such as Susanna Wesley, Rosa parks and Joni Eareckson Tada to men like C.S. Lewis, William Willberforce and Patrick. If you have older children, don’t hesitate to include them on the journey. This brief introduction to one of the heroes can be a spring board to further research.

Each shared story is the perfect length and full of just enough detail for a young mind to retain. The artwork lends beautifully to the adjacent words and together create an excellent resource. Time is always an issue as a mom, this will take just enough and not too much for a moment in the morning of just before bed to encourage your children. May this be a rich blessing to you and your family. Enjoy this video from Clare-Heath-Whyte reading about Gladys Aylward

 

Everyone a Child Should Know

 by Clare Heath-Whyte Illustrated by Jenny Brake