Today, there was an incident at school...a bullying incident. Rivers told me when she got in the car that a boy in her class had told her that she "walked ugly" and that she needed to "learn to walk right." He then proceeded to laugh at her and try to step on her feet. Honestly, I was not terribly surprised. I knew that this day would come. In the past, it came in the form of questions, which of course is much less hurtful and leaves room for explanation. But, as children become "wiser," they find more hurtful ways of bringing their curiosities to light.
I always wondered how I would feel as a parent and protector when this would happen, as it did today. I must say that God gave me such peace instead of anger. Rivers had a happy distraction this afternoon as a close friend came to play, and it gave me time to send her teacher a calmly stated email about the incident. Her school, like so many others, has zero tolerance for bullying. I have full assurance that her teacher will handle the issue as a teaching instrument for the entire class in respecting differences in other children and focusing on their capabilities, their strengths, their "things you just want to clap and pat them on the back for" accomplishments rather than focusing on differences as a negative. And, just like God, He had already set aside a beautiful time in God's Word for Rivers and me to find comfort in tonight.
After putting the girls to bed, Rivers, Jackson, and I settled in to read a book and the next chapter in The Jesus Storybook Bible. By God's providence, the next story was about how God chose the youngest child in Jesse's family, David, to be the next king and how during those times, a king was chosen based upon his presence: tallest, strongest, most handsome. Then it said, "But God didn't choose him. 'You're thinking about what he looks like on the outside,' God told Samuel. 'But I am looking at his heart, what he's like on the inside.'" REALLY?!! God, You are awesome! You know the intimate details of all of our lives, from Biblical times to today. Thank you for Your Holy Word and how it is "...living and active..." (Hebrews 4:12).
With Jackson in bed, Rivers and I went into her room to read her devotion from Jesus Calling: 365 Devotions For Kids. I opened the book to October 2 and read the title "Every Hair on Your Head" and the verse below it, "Yes, God even knows how many hairs you have on your head. Don't be afraid." (Luke 12:7). The devotion described that God knows "you better than you know yourself...at every moment I [God] know your every thought, every feeling, every hope and dream. I know every detail about you--right down to how many hairs you have on your head" (p. 289). The "read on your own" verse of John 1:12 reminded Rivers (and me!) that she is a child of God. Thank you, God, that You are with Rivers every moment of the day, especially when I am not able to be there! We had a wonderful conversation about how God not only knows every hair on her head but He created every part of her...including her hips and knee. I reminded her that her friend at school doesn't even know what a MIRACLE she is! He doesn't know that we didn't even know if Rivers would live, let alone walk! I told her, "I'll bet that if he knew what you've been through, he wouldn't have picked on you today," and she agreed.
After praying for Rivers, I left the room feeling as though the day's event had been resolved. Within 5-10 seconds of leaving the room, my phone let me know that I had a message. I clicked the button to see a picture of Daniel's Aunt Shelly with her head shaved. She just had her first chemo treatment two weeks ago and awoke yesterday morning finding hair on her pillow. I ran back in to show Rivers..."See! God knows how many hairs Aunt Shelly has on her head too! It might not be as many as there have been before, but God has a plan! He knows every detail!" Thank you God for so many reminders of Your great love for us today! I am overwhelmed!