Did you grow up with a spiritual hero?
Was there someone in your life that inspired you, invested in you, or ignited a passion in your heart? A person whose life you observed and admired, whose message stuck with you like a piece of chewed gum on the bottom of your shoe.
For me, it was a missionary couple, sent out from our church to serve in Africa. While I didn't know them well, I heard them share their adventures and their mission, serving overseas, instilling a love and longing for this people.
The stories of those who lived faithful lives for the glory of God, are testimonies of his grace and mercy, that encourage us, help us persevere when life is hard, and spur us on to meet needs around us.
Today, I decided to get some help from my 9 year old daughter. We sat down to enjoy reading about the lives of two courageous women in history. Their stories are important to share with our little ones, helping them to see God's work in the world through their faith and obedience.
So, today we are reviewing these children's biographies, published by the Good Book Company, on the lives of Corrie Ten Boom and Betsey Stockton.
Eliana
This book is written for younger kids. It tells us, in a simple and easy to understand way, about the life of Corrie Ten Boom. She was the daughter of a clockmaker, living in Holland. She was arrested and sent to a concentration camp because she was hiding Jews during World War II.
Her life teaches me to always do what God wants me to do, Corrie never turned away a Jewish person in need. I'd say it's 5 stars.
Amber
Corrie Ten Boom is an amazing woman. This children's story tells us about the intention of her heart to help Jewish people, God's provision of a Bible during her time in the concentration camp, and her message, "that there's no pit so deep that God's love is not deeper still." What an important message for us and our children today, to know that through hard times, we can rely on God's Word to encourage and strengthen us, and to give our lives for the good of others.
This is written so comfortably to read aloud to children, and the pictures are beautiful and, I found, really impactful to the story. We really enjoyed this and I highly recommend it! 5 stars from me too!!
Eliana
This book is also for younger kids. It tells us about Betsey Stockton. She really wanted to be a missionary, but she was enslaved. When she received the letter that she had been freed, she began to study the Bible and pray. Then she went on a mission trip to Hawaii and eventually became the teacher for the son of the King.
Betsey teaches me that I should take every opportunity to teach others about Christ. 5 stars!
Amber
Betsey is a young girl I can relate to, a girl who had a dream to be a missionary. Her strength of character evident as she was freed from slavery, continued to work, and then followed her dream to the islands of Hawaii. We see how tumultuous the 5 month journey was to arrive, and her persistence in spending time in the Word of God. She demonstrated faithfulness to serve the people, teaching the children academics, as well as the gospel.
I really love this series and recommend it for young families. They provide great opportunities to teach our children about people of times past, who responded to God's call on their life and walked in obedience. 5 stars from me too!
Who were your spiritual heroes?
*A big thanks to the Good Book Company for the complimentary copies of these books, and the opportunity to post an honest review!
