~HE LIVED FOR THE SUNSHINE...

While browsing books to post here on my blog, I happened upon this one, and the description sounds really good...

"Firebird is a children's book that parallels the life of Samantha Crawford, a storybook artist in the inspiring new film, 'Unconditional,' who has lost sight of God's love.

Firebird is a bright orange baby oriole who just loves the sunshine, but whenever a storm blows in, he frets and asks Mama why God allows the rain to take the sun away.  Only when Firebird is old enough, does he venture up through the thunder and lightning to see what's on the other side.  With a rough flight that makes him want to give up, Firebird rises above the storm to discover the sun shining where it has always been--and learns that God never lets the storm take the sun away.  With this truth, Firebird basks in the sunshine, but also learns to rejoice in the rain."

I think "the problem of pain" is a very tough topic, so to come across a children's book that addresses it is interesting.  Who knows--this book might turn out to be more helpful than some of the resources out there that are for adults (and you know what, that wouldn't surprise me a bit ☺).

I'm not familiar with the movie this book is based on, but it sounds affecting...

"Samantha Crawford is living a storybook life.  That is, until her husband is killed in a senseless act of violence, causing her to lose her faith and her will to live.  But will a death-defying encounter with two children--and a reunion with her childhood best friend--bring things into perspective again?  'Unconditional' is inspired by true events."

By the by, I like the note on Matthew 18:3 that's in my MacArthur Study Bible: 

become as little children:

"This is how Jesus characterized conversion.  Like the Beatitudes, it pictures faith as the simple, helpless, trusting dependence of those who have no achievements and no accomplishments to offer or commend themselves with."

*There are opinions expressed in this study Bible that I *strongly* disagree with, but a lot of the teaching is very helpful.

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