How much would you push the issue?

[CountryMom]

My 4yr old daughter likes woodworking (my husband does it as a hobby). Recently she made a wooden cross and cut our Jesus out of paper and glued him on. Then she gave it to her preschool teacher. Her teacher was trilled and told her "I can use this cross to teach my new baby about Jesus" and my daughter replied "Yes, it reminds us that Jesus loved us so much that He died on the cross for our sins". Well after school my daughter wanted to make more and give them to the neighbors so "they will get to know Jesus too!". My husband and I replied "that's great honey" and let it go. Well she hasn't. She has brought it up many times, I mean for at least 3 weeks now.

So I'm asking, would you push this issue? Should we help her build these crosses and pass them out? My thoughts are to help her write up a small statement about her beliefs to put with the cross and let her do it. Then I think, I want this to be her project, so how much guidence do we give? I have lots of ideas, but they are my ideas not hers, do I share them?

Please any thoughts you can give would be great!

 

[Dominus Fidelis]

I think it is wonderful. What's the problem?

 

[NDIrish]

Absolutely help her! The last thing you want to do now is to discourage her from sharing her faith...encourage her by helping her out, and giving her ideas!

 

[karla]

I agree...It's a wonderful idea and so inpiring especially coming for a 4 year old I would help her do it if it is something she really wants to do and it

 

[CountryMom]

I think it is wonderful. What's the problem?

Maybe i'm just worried that people will think it's my idea and I don't want that. And having said that, it doesn't matter what others think..... So I guess my only problem is have many ideas of my own, do I share with her? For example, we have a new Bishop being installed this month, I thought it would be a great welcome gift.

 

[Dominus Fidelis]

Maybe i'm just worried that people will think it's my idea and I don't want that. And having said that, it doesn't matter what others think..... So I guess my only problem is have many ideas of my own, do I share with her? For example, we have a new Bishop being installed this month, I thought it would be a great welcome gift.

I thinking sharing your ideas shows her you are interested in her project. Go for it, but let her be in charge.

 

[geocajun]

excellent, thats a great kid right there

 

[CountryMom]

excellent, thats a great kid right there

Thanks!

 

[IamKennySe]

That would be an awesome gift for the new Bishop!

 

[CountryMom]

That would be an awesome gift for the new Bishop!

Welcome!

 

[Glynnw]

I think it is a great idea. She can offer the crosses but I would not push if they say no. A CCD teacher gave me a small cross while I was at RCIA Sunday, that was made out of lumber that came from a very old buildings which is suppose to be over 150 years old that had been torn down because they are a danger. The wood is very brittle and looks very old. I think it is an honor to receive it and will cherish it, so yes let her go for it.

 

[Abiel]

I think you will find that on the whole, people will accept a gift from a child far more readily than from an adult. Just encourage her to be gentle, and protect her from mean people!

 

[princess_ballet]

That's the sweetest thing I've ever heard.

Let her go for it. And if someone rejects it, you can gently explain that they don't know Jesus yet, but wouldn't that be a perfect oppurtunity to pray for them?

How adorable.

 

[Irish Melkite]

Well she hasn't. She has brought it up many times, I mean for at least 3 weeks now.

So I'm asking, would you push this issue? Should we help her build these crosses and pass them out? My thoughts are to help her write up a small statement about her beliefs to put with the cross and let her do it. Then I think, I want this to be her project, so how much guidence do we give? I have lots of ideas, but they are my ideas not hers, do I share them?

Mom,

You have a wonderful and exceptionally perceptive little girl . I'd suggest that you help her to do again what she initially did and what she has expressed the desire to do.

Adding a written statement by you of her beliefs is going to make it more your project and your mission of evangelization than hers. The particular beauty of the initial gesture was that it was hers and hers alone. She is only 4, let it be the spiritual expression of a 4 year old - not be perceived as the manipulation of a 4 year old by her parents, which is how it will seem to others, well-meant though it be, if you add the "helpful parental touch" to it.

I agree that it would be a wonderful welcoming gift to your new bishop. I also agree with the posters immediately above - I think you need to warn her in advance that some may reject her offer and prepare her for that disappointment - she is only a little girl and small hearts are easily hurt.

Many years,

Neil

 

[CountryMom]

Adding a written statement by you of her beliefs is going to make it more your project and your mission of evangelization than hers. The particular beauty of the initial gesture was that it was hers and hers alone. She is only 4, let it be the spiritual expression of a 4 year old - not be perceived as the manipulation of a 4 year old by her parents, which is how it will seem to others, well-meant though it be, if you add the "helpful parental touch" to it.

Well said! That's what I thought the preception would be. I want it to stay her idea, yet help her grow the idea.

 

[lonnienord]

give her as much encouragement as possible help her and as much as possible keep the project hers. You might want to tell her about the new Bishop and see if she wants to make one of him.

all for JESUS!!
lonnie

 

[Maggie893]

I definitely think you let her do it her way. It's Holy Spirit inspired! Once she's covered the people she wants to you might say, who else might you share the love of Christ with and then help her with the list. You want to be sure not to overwhelm her with names so that if she tires of her project she feels obligated rather then inspired.

You obviously have done a great job so far in educating and inspiring her, I'm sure whatever you do will build her up in her faith and initiative.

 

[AveMaria]

Wow! That's quite a little girl you have!

 

[lil~peanut]

Wow what a smart little girl. That is so great that her heart is filled with so much love. If she were mine, I would help her and let her do it her way. If she is that smart to think of all this on her own already! You are blessed.

 

[CountryMom]

Thank you all!