Talk About It

Bible Reading: Psalm 5:1-3

Vince slipped through the front door and plunked down his backpack. “Vince?” Dad called from the kitchen. “Mom baked brownies before she left for work. Want to have one?”

Without answering, Vince shuffled to his room, closed the door, and slumped facedown on the bed. He wished he could talk to Dad about the kids teasing him in gym class, but he felt too embarrassed. The scene from this morning’s class replayed in his mind like a nightmare. “Hey, scar belly!” Antonio had bellowed the moment Vince removed his shirt in the locker room. Soon other boys took up the chant while gawking at the purple scar dividing Vince’s chest in half.

“Can I come in?” Dad called from outside Vince’s door.

Vince buried his face deeper into his pillow. How can Dad possibly understand? he wondered.

“Vince?” Dad called again. Vince muttered a muffled reply. Then he heard the door open, and soon Dad was sitting beside him. “What’s wrong?”

“Nothing,” Vince mumbled. But Dad didn’t leave, and after a long silence, Vince poured out the story of his humiliation.

Dad squeezed Vince’s shoulder. “You know, since you’re in a new school this year, those boys don’t know about your operation—how God allowed you to have the heart surgery that made it possible for you to play sports and take part in gym. Here’s an idea. The next time someone makes a remark about your scar, try looking at it and saying, ‘Awesome, isn’t it?’ Then tell them how the heart surgery helped you.”

“That might work.” Vince sat up and gave his dad a little smile. “I wish I’d told you about it sooner, but I—I was kind of embarrassed.”

“You can always talk to Mom and me,” Dad said. “If those boys keep giving you a hard time, we’ll make sure the school does something about it. And you can always talk to Jesus about your problems too. He loves you and understands everything you’re going through. He wants you to give all your worries and problems to Him so He can help you through them.”

“Thanks, Dad,” Vince said. “Do you think we can talk some more and eat a brownie at the same time? I’m starving!” Kathleen M. Muldoon

How About You?

Do you have a problem so embarrassing that you can’t talk about it? Perhaps you’re being bullied, having trouble with schoolwork, or a friend is telling lies about you. It’s important to share your problem with an adult so they can help you—especially if it’s something serious. Most importantly, share your problems with Jesus in prayer. He’s always ready to listen and to help you.

Today’s Key Verse:
1 Peter 5:7 Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you. (NLT)

Today’s Key Thought:

Give your problems to God