For those of you new to the blog or with very short memories (who, you?), you can view the first Seuss and the Bible post here.

Last time, I went over some truths we can learn from Horton Hears a Who.  This time our focus shifts to two more of Seuss’ stories.

Green Eggs and Ham:  If you can’t remember why your children always come home with green tongues on Seuss’ birthday, here’s the 5 second plot summary: Two friends.  Friend #1 has lots of enthusiasm about his great new food, green eggs and ham.  Friend #2 is (much) less enthusiastic.  Eventually Friend #2 gives into Friend #1, and ends up loving green eggs and ham.

So, what can we learn from this?  Two things:

1.  Persistence pays off. (especially with the church board!)  It’s the classic story of a children’s minister:  come up with a great idea, present it to the church board, have them put it off for “financial reasons”.  Mmhmm.  You know what I’m talking about.  It’s important to remember that if you feel there is something you are led to do, you need to do it.  Even if that means that you open every board meeting with a reading of Green Eggs and Ham and petition them one more time, do it!  Eventually they’ll get so sick of hearing the story they’ll just do whatever it takes to make you stop!  OK, so it’ll work with or without the story.  Be persistent in what you feel you need to do.
2.  Try things you don’t like.  I do believe that nearly every parent in the world has uttered these words to their children:  ”Don’t knock it till you try it.”  And every child in the world has rolled their eyes.  We like to remind others that they should try things they think they won’t like first, but we refuse to do the same.  So try that new curriculum you think may not be your favorite.  Give a new event a whirl.  Just try something new this week!

The Lorax:  5 second plot:  Enemy comes in, starts chopping down trees, the Lorax stands up for the trees.

No, I haven’t gone insane.  There is a plot similarity between trees and kids.  Here’s what Psalm 82:3 and 4 have to say:
“Defend the cause of the weak and fatherless; maintain the rights of the poor and oppressed.  Rescue the weak and needy; deliver them from the hand of the wicked.”

That’s a statement made to God by the psalmist, but it’s applicable to us too.  Children, especially the poor and weak, have no voice.  They cannot go to church/school/city board meetings, vote for president, or do just about anything themselves.  They can’t start a website.  They are voiceless.  All of us, as those who minister to children, understand their needs like few other people (bar teachers and parents) can.  It is not only a good idea, but a mission from God to defend them.  Let the children know you care about them.  Stand up for them when they’re being attacked.  A child is much more important than the trees the Lorax was defending, no?

Isn’t it cool how you can find so many truths in a simple children’s book?  Leave me a comment and tell me what you think about these two books!