A year ago today, the Bluebonnet Child book was printed for publication by Wipf and Stock. I viewed this as an omen of sorts since July 7th is my best friend’s birthday. While seeing one’s idea printed on paper is exhilarating, hearing folks share of how this lil’ book has enhanced their serve to kids truly takes the cake! In honor of this day, I suggest that we all eat cake and that I repost the original PR blog that was shared many moons ago.
Can you picture a child who has fallen through the cracks? You know–that student who makes your job ten-times harder, but it’s impossible to stay mad because you know what darkness awaits him at home? Though we don’t quite know how to address it, there are kids like this in every church and I call them Bluebonnet Children. This is their book, and if you have a heart for kids, this books is for you.
The renowned bluebonnet flower grows in poor soil. One would never guess this to be true, but the bright, proud bonnet tells no lies. Not even unkempt soil can keep a bluebonnet from producing its lovely blossoms. People can be similar to the bluebonnet flower. They too can be born into poor soil with environmental and contextual challenges. Kids from neglectful or abusive families are called Bluebonnet Children.
We are trained in Children’s and Family Ministry that the parent is the primary faith nurturer. But what happens to a child who does not have a healthy parent to nourish him?
While it is tempting to leave such work up to the professionals of the courtroom and counseling sessions, the faith community can also play a formative role and act as a supplemental family. This book offers helpful tools and inspiring stories to catalyze the entire congregation towards action. The tale of the Bluebonnet Child is heavy, but in Christ there is hope.
The Bluebonnet Child: Finding Grace in Poor Soil is a ministerial resource that guides readers to adopt the Triple-A Approach. With this approach, they can become more aware of the child’s story, advocate for her needs, and theologically articulate how the healing power of Christ is at work in her life. Each chapter is full of concrete examples and educational tactics that are immediately applicable in one’s ministry setting. This is an intentionally short work (twenty-four-thousand words) for the busy practitioner.
The Bluebonnet Child brings a unique voice to the conversation on healing through trauma because it is written from a theological perspective, as opposed to an autobiographical, or psychological/ legal one. Its foundation is James 1:27 which calls the Body of Christ to care for the orphan, the loveless and the fatherless. Unlike similar reads, this book seeks to improve the systemic issues latent within Children’s Ministry programs. The author is well-versed in developing healthy volunteer teams – the bedrock of a Children’s Ministry system. Regardless of a reader’s prior knowledge of theology, psychology, or educational theory, this book will hold his hand and lead him into the light of this dark work. Readers can also earn CEUs for this book through a two-week online class/book club where they can discuss its contents right along with Meg and others.
So if a kid’s face came to mind as you read this, may I encourage you?😌 Don’t be intimidated by this dark topic. Don’t think that only counselors and caseworkers can make a real difference. Don’t think praying as you turn down the other aisle is enough. You are needed, and this book will hold your hand as you extend the other out in hope.
Get your copy of The Bluebonnet Child: Finding Grace in Poor Soil on Amazon or shop local at Graves Drug Store Online.