Do you believe little children can rise up and bring people closer to Christ? The Bible teaches that children are a gift from the Lord. Psalm 127:3-4 shares this message, “… the children born to us are our special pay. The children of a young man are like arrows in the hand of a soldier. Happy is the man who has many of them.” God reminds us how precious children are, how they fulfill our lives and bring blessings to aging parents. Children bring happiness even when their arrows pierce our hearts. Honoring thy mother and father is a commandment all children should keep. Cherishing the gift of a child and training them up in the way they should go is a charge parents are given from God. Happiness of having children is a gift that keeps on giving.

Watching the circle of life transpire in our lives is amazing. The movie, Lion King, animated this real life experience poignantly. The big daddy lion taking authority for his family parallels with what God teaches through His Word. The happy ‘Lion Family’ enjoyed life. The parents accepted responsibility to teach and train up their cub in the way he should go. When he was in danger or being ridiculed and hurt by other lions, his daddy came to his rescue. Mama and Daddy took care of their little one, giving him roots and wings. When the day came for The Lion King to leave the lion kingdom and head to wherever lions go after death, his son felt his world would end. Yet, he made a choice to rise up and carry on the legacy that his Daddy instilled in him. He stood tall and stepped forward in the image of his Father, cared for his aging Mother, and lived happily doing what he was called to do. Children grow and go, but always bring happiness to their parents when the family stays deeply and devotedly in love with the Lord and one another. Never, ever give up on your children, even in seasons when you wonder what in the world they are thinking and doing. God hears and honors praying parents and helps their children, for we are all His children.

While planning for the Rise Up, Recount Love Christian Conference, we knew children were to be included. Children Rejoice was the name given to the four hour session designed just for little ones. The leaders and teen volunteers have stories of their own to share of how the little children changed their lives that day. This story is about Chase and his mom, one that touches hearts much like the Lion King script that is grounded in truth and love.

When Chase entered the children’s room holding his mother’s hand, a smiling Mrs. Beth greeted him with a hug. Chase was thrilled to be there, but heartbroken when his mom kissed him goodbye and headed for the door. Mom chose to stay and help him adjust to new people in a strange place. Mrs. Beth, a parent volunteer for Tim’s Gift and powerful Christian witness, felt led by the Holy Spirit to do exactly what Jesus would do if he were teaching those children. She held out her arms and bid Chase to come to her. She wrapped him in a hug handed down from heaven and asked him to be her helper. A smile replaced his frown. Mom slipped away; he rose up to become the one who would give each child necessary items to complete their crafts. Chase felt that what he was doing made a difference; he was needed and became engrossed in making crosses, hand prints, and coloring his rainbow. He listened to the story Mrs. Elanor and Mrs. Penny shared about doing what is right and good for Jesus, a Worship and Wonder lesson on The Ten Commandments. Chase was a happy little boy eating his Burger King meal and making new friends. Then, something happened that made him think of his mother and tears started that Ms. Emily, Ms. Hannah, not even Mrs. Beth, could stop. Chase wanted to see Mom, feel her touch, and know she was still there with him. His mom came quickly to her darling child; his smile showed he felt safe and secure in his mother’s arms.

Chase and his mom’s story is lovingly shared from a hopeful heart that people will be brought closer to Christ and loved ones. Mrs. Amy and her son greet each day together with hope for tomorrow and excitement for today. His mother understands the verse from Psalm that tells us our children are a gift. Chase is a gift and a miracle all wrapped up in one beautiful package. Mrs. Amy was told she could not have children. She believed, held to faith, and God opened the door for motherhood. Her loving, little boy is precious and polite, cute and caring, exciting and energetic.

Chase’s story teaches two important lessons. When he was sad and feared his mother had left him, he could not be satisfied with anything but her presence. When we feel alone, confused, abandoned, or scared, we can only be satisfied with our Father’s peaceful presence. He wraps His arms of comfort around us and carries us when we cannot walk alone. He is always with us, living in our hearts, as are loved ones who died and now live with Him in heaven. Nothing in this world can substitute for the satisfaction and peace that comes from a close relationship with our heavenly Father, and having things right in your heart with family and friends.

Chase teaches, through a child’s touch, that old age comes to each of us. The circle of life continues, bringing spots and blemishes, slowdowns and checkups, changes and challenges to make sure all is right with our bodies and more importantly with our souls. Somewhere in your circle of life, the Master will call you home. You may leave this world as a child or one who lives to a ripe old age, only God knows the time and place, the day and the way. Only you know if all is well with your soul. Embrace the childlike faith that pleases our Father. Invite Him into your heart today. Confess your sins, repent, and rise up to be a bold believer with passion for life and the Lord, and your story will end with promise and peace for eternity.

What a great gift and happy ending (beginning) to the stories for children closely connected to the Father when our circle of life here is completed. We will be blessed by God (not lucky as Kenny Chesney sings) and just rollin’ around Heaven all day…forever and ever!