Read: Matthew 14:13-21; Ephesians 2:1-7 When Emma came into the living room, tears were falling from Mom’s eyes onto her lap. Dad sat next to her with a hand on her shoulder. “It’s Grandma,” he told Emma. “She died in the hospital this morning.” Emma stared out the window. With Grandma gone, who’d come visit…
Read: Psalms 27:7-10; 116:1-9 When Maggie stepped into the batter’s box, she already had two strikes. One more would put her on the bench. She glanced at the stands. Her foster mom wasn’t there. Maggie sighed. Her team chanted, “Two-strike hitter, don’t be a quitter!” The pitch came in fast, and Maggie connected, sending the…
Read: Matthew 25:14-29 “Yum, your mangoes are the best, Nenek!” Eyes sparkling, Kira chewed the scrumptious mangoes her Indonesian grandmother had just peeled for her. “You mean Kakek’s mangoes,” Nenek said, chuckling. “Your grandfather was the one who bought and planted the seeds in our backyard. The tree grew and grew, but no mangoes. Kakek…
Read: Isaiah 55:8-9 Gunner ran to the garage when he heard his parents drive in. “Is Grandpa okay?” he asked anxiously as they got out of the car. Dad put his hand on Gunner’s shoulder. “Your grandfather isn’t suffering anymore,” he said quietly. “He died this afternoon—he’s in heaven now.” Gunner swallowed hard, forcing back…
Read: John 11:32-44 Evan held back tears as he sat down on the porch step beside his best friend. “Teddy was the best cat I ever had.” He sniffled. “I’m going to miss him.” Peter nodded. “He was pretty awesome. I’m sorry he died.” He nudged his friend’s shoulder. “It’s okay to cry.” “I’m not…
Bible Reading: Psalm 27:1-3; Isaiah 41:10 *Editor’s note: This story may not be suitable for young children. Madelyn buried her face in her hands. “I wish I’d been nicer to him.” Callie’s face was red from crying. “I’m mad that he died so young. It’s not fair.” Mrs. Nelson sat down at the empty desk…
Bible Reading: Psalm 27:1-3; Isaiah 41:10 “Hi, Grandma!” said Audrey when she arrived at her grandmother’s house. “I’m glad I get to spend the weekend with you.” “I am too,” said Grandma, giving Audrey a hug. “How is everything at home?” Audrey frowned. “I thought it was great that Dad got married again, but now…
Bible Reading: Psalm 9:7-10; Jude 1:20-22 “Want to come check on a house with me?” Braxton’s dad asked. Braxton didn’t really want to, but he climbed into his dad’s truck. His dad was a building contractor, and Braxton used to love seeing the houses he was building. But after his mom died, he didn’t find…
Bible Reading: Romans 8:35-39 “I miss Buster!” wailed eight-year-old Xander when the family’s loyal dog died. “He was a hero! Remember when Finn got lost and Buster found him playing in the woods? And the time I got really sick and Buster stayed in my room every day until I got better?” Xander wiped his…
Bible Reading: John 14:1-6 Adelyn looked around her empty room. She brushed her hand across the mural Dad had painted on the wall one last time, then picked up the last box and brought it out to the truck. When Mom pulled the truck door down with a loud rumble, Adelyn couldn’t help it. She…
