Forward Movement is an official, non-profit agency of the Episcopal Church whose mission is to create compelling content for Christian living. Since 1935 we have published the quarterly devotional Forward Day by Day, as well as pamphlets, booklets, and books that encourage and nourish people in their lives of prayer and faith.
TUESDAY, November 24
Matthew 19:13-22. Jesus said, "Let the little children come to me, and do not stop them; for it is to such as these that the kingdom of heaven belongs."
It isn't easy being a kid these days. The expectations placed on children are huge, and they have to grow up way too soon.
My great-nephew is 6' 2" and weighs 245 pounds. Only a sophomore, he was a starting offensive lineman on his high school football team.
In football team photos, he looks mean and hard. It's like a mug shot. In reality he is the most gentle, smiling, even-keeled kid I know. "Oh, Unc," he says to me, "it's all an act. You have to make the other team think you're vicious." Ah, the masks we wear.
His size has come in handy. Since middle school he has volunteered to help special needs students. If anyone tries to pick on one of them, he is always there to explain the "access rule": to get to them, the bullies have to go through him. There are no challengers.
He is an acolyte, athlete, and comedian with a heart of gold--not a bad combination in our gentle giant. Knowing the truth, we overlook the mask. I hope there are millions more just like him out there.
PRAY for the Diocese of West Ankole (Uganda)
Ps [120], 121, 122, 123 * 124, 125, 126 [127]; Nahum 1:1-13; 1 Peter 1:13-25
View the daily Lectionary Readings at Satucket.com.
Or view the Bible passages at Biblegateway.com.
A Meditation for Pentecost
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You are unusual and blessings when we come across you. I like the idea of Satan having "no access" to us because Christ died and rose again.
Awesome.
Cindy