Our host for Spiritual Journey Thursday in November is Linda Mitchell. She invited us to write about her one little word for this year, world: "My world, your world, our world."
Words comfort me during hard times and good times. I'm enjoying the many words shared by poets and writers this past week. A good friend shared three children's books she loves on Facebook. That encouraged me to share a couple of my favorite children's books that speak to this time.
I recently requested (again) The Mouse Who Carried A House On His Back from the library. It is a book that I need to purchase. The message by Jonathan Stutzman is timely. The illustrations by Isabelle Arsenault are exquisite with lovely die cut houses spread throughout the book. Like Vincent the mouse who "always knew exactly where he needed to be," each of us can mirror his generosity as we search for where we need to be in our world.
The Stars Will Still Shine by Cynthia Rylant and illustrated by Tiphanie Beeke is one that I've reached for often. Like me, you may find that children's books offer the best wisdom. I'll share some of Rylant's lyrical words from this comforting book along with my favorite illustration. However, you should check out the book to savor the full luminosity of Beeke's illustrations and the warmth of Rylant's words, words to remind us of the comfort of our beautiful world with its power to bring us joy even in uncertain times.
there will be goodness
there will be grace
there will be light
in every dark place
I've consumed more than my fair share of chocolate this week, but my favorite treats have been the words shared by poets. I thought about sharing more, but limited myself to this gem shared on IG by poetrynikki:
I wake with a lyric
And lasso it
To carry through
This darkened day:
This little light of mine,
I'm going to let it shine.
-Nikki Grimes
May we carry light to shine into dark places, to ease suffering, and to bring comfort to our troubled, weary world.
Cathy Mere is our host for Poetry Friday this week. Go check out her "In the Mourning" poem that speaks of two important women she sits between, her grandmother and her granddaughter. And then stop by Mr. Linky to savor more poetic goodness from our community.
Thank you for these words. To ease suffering--this is what I think I'm going to need to carry with me into these next few years.
ReplyDeleteThank you for this so much. I love The Stars Will Still Shine by Cynthia Rylant and shared it with students.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Ramona. Such comforting words and fellings.
ReplyDeleteThank you for the book recommendations. I pivoted my lessons to read STILLWATER AND KOO SAVE THE WORLD. I'll add these titles for future lessons!
ReplyDeleteI hadn't heard of Rylant's book, so thanks for featuring it this week! Nikki's words are wonderful to hear. Thanks for this comforting post!
ReplyDeleteRylant's words are gorgeous! I can't wait to get a copy of that picture book. What a prayer!
ReplyDeleteRamona, thanks for the book titles and bringing light into this troubled world. Your ending line, "May we carry light to shine into dark places, to ease suffering, and to bring comfort to our troubled, weary world," is a prayer for tonight.
ReplyDeleteWhy haven’t I been to my picture book stack in the last week? I need to do that! Thanks for the suggested titles to reach for first. Always love a stop by your blog, Ramona. It’s a dose of light everytime.
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