Dear Theophilus Archive: Sept. 2001
Lessons from the Playground and Beyond
By Rita Bailey
The other night we went to the home of some friends from Utah for dinner. You know, the folks from Brigham Young University. The idea of polygamy, in-breeding, and young men in suits with nametags reading “Elder John” has always struck me as odd. I am wary of their brand of Christianity, but at the same time I have to admire their missions work. They are unafraid to spread their faith, in other countries as well as their own.
That night, I had no problem talking about our church life or praying while at their home, and in fact, as she has been in the habit of doing, Julia even took out her Beginner’s Bible from her backpack and copied out her favorite stories into homemade notebooks with the other girls. It seemed perfectly natural, and I was glad that she was showing them that there are other Christians who are not Mormon who read the Bible and witness. On the way home, however, I was struck by how I'm usually uncomfortable at witnessing to non-Christians, especially among our Jewish friends.
Earlier that day, Julia had had a playdate with her friend Anna, whose mom was raised Catholic and whose dad was Jewish. Neither were practicing, and we were comfortable talking about our faith and church with them. While peeking into Julia’s room during their playdate, I noticed Julia making a book for herself and Anna. They had decorated them beautifully with markers and had begun to copy out a story that Julia had read to Anna. It was called “One Touch,” the story of Jesus and the sick woman who reached out and touched his clothes, knowing she would be healed. The story starts, “People crowded around Jesus as he walked.” The girls had written in their best penmanship and were very pleased with their workmanship.
“After we finish, I’m going to teach Anna one of the prayers in the book Hyelee E-mo gave me.”
“Oh. Okay. Sounds like fun.”
As I left the room, however, I thought to myself, I hope Anna’s mom does not think I had her over to convert her. I had to admit to myself that I was uncomfortable with Anna writing the Bible story in her book. I had no problem with Julia doing it, and sharing the story with Anna, but I knew that her parents would see the book, and I did not want to offend them.
When Nicole, Anna’s mom, came to pick her up, the girls showed her their books, excited and proud. Nicole commented on the beautiful coloring and fine penmanship. As she read the first line, she said, “Oh, some Biblical work,” and smiled. I believe I may have mumbled something and smiled somewhat apologetically. Something to the effect of, “Julia was reading to Anna.” Passing the buck to the six year old.
Later that evening, on our way home from dinner with the Mormons, I thought about how I had felt and was ashamed of myself. I would not have been offended if Julia had visited a Jewish or Muslim friend’s home and had learned about their faith. I would have used it to teach Julia the difference Jesus makes in our lives. Why should I assume that Nicole would be offended? Maybe Anna enjoyed the story and would ask her parents, promoting discussion? Maybe Anna would ask Julia for more stories next time? Instead of encouraging Julia to share the Gospel and show her Christian heart to our Mainline Jewish friends, I was being a politically correct, polite, and non-offensive Christian coward.
Our children bring us joy, distress, and the whole gamut of emotions in between. They can also be wonderful witnesses for Christ, both to those around us, and to their own families. At Emmanuel, the many married couples, college students, and the entire church family who have shown our children such love have helped encourage this. VBS and Sunday School with Jen and Jenie have helped cement many messages for Julia, and subsequently Christian. They provide me with many lessons from the playground and beyond. This week, I pray for strength to witness amongst our non-Christian friends.
