The Faith of Children

Little children were brought for Jesus to lay his hands on them and pray. But the disciples scolded those who brought them, "Don't bother him," they said.

But Jesus said, "Let the little children come to me, and don't prevent them. For of such is the Kingdom of Heaven." And he put his hands on their heads and blessed them before he left. Matthew 19: 13-15 (TLB)

When Jo Ann Johnson, from Texas, was young, her mother and Jo went to church only to attend the funerals of loved ones. Jo had very little knowledge of Jesus. But that changed when she was five years old and Mama remarried. It was 1943, and her new dad was a soldier. They moved into an apartment near his military base, and things began to change for the better.

When their landlady invited them to her church, Jo wasn't thrilled. But she was in for a surprise when they visited for the first time. The people were warm and welcoming, and Jo loved the music. The songs about Jesus excited her. She soaked it all up and fell in love with Jesus.

The next day Jo found a pencil and paper and asked Mama how to spell "Jesus." Jo carefully wrote his name down and put the paper in her pocket. Every day she would turn the paper over in her hands, and she felt warmed and comforted. It eventually dissolved, worn out by those loving caresses.

Jo is now 83 years old and has seen many things dissolve. Bit she has learned that some things, like the love and comfort she still receives from Jesus, never goes away.

Prayer: Dear God, thank you for the people who have taught us about you and your son, Jesus. Remind us that no matter

what we face, your love and presence remain steadfast, in Jesus' name. Amen.