and the Bible says...

Well... the bible says a lot of things actually.  Simple things (God is love) and complicated things we don't really want to listen to (love your neighbor).  Good things (God created) and well, questionable things (God said go kill all the people in that city).  As with anything, context determines meaning.

Christians believe that the bible is a window into understanding God.  The stories in the bible teach lessons in what to do, or often what not to do.  In the second chapter of Weaving: A Just Future For Children, Diane C. Olson and Laura Dean F. Friedrich.  continue to shed light on their metaphor of children's ministry and advocacy as a weaving loom.

The loom provides a framework for the work to be done.  In the past entry I discussed the importance of sound theology as a part of this frame.  The second chapter highlights a second aspect of the frame - scripture.

The bible is full of stories and examples of child advocacy.  Olson and Friedrich include 5 main categories:
1 - scriptural mandates for advocacy
         example - Jeremiah 31:15
2 - proscriptions against harming children
         example - Matthew 18:14
3 - inclusion of children
         example - Luke 18:16
4 - justice for children
         example - Micah 6:8
5 - care for children
         example - Genesis 33: 13-14
* many stories or references fall in 2 or more of these categories.

One of the stories touched on by the authors as a biblical example of a child advocate is found in Matthew 15:21-28.  It is a story of a mother who is never named who comes to Jesus pleading for help for her daughter who is possessed by a demon.  Jesus however does not sweep in and play the hero.  He ignores this woman.  However she is having none of it.  Continuing to shout at him, he asks her why he should help her.  The implication here is that she is not Jewish and therefore unworthy.  By comparing herself to a dog, she boldly points out to Jesus that even dogs get the crumbs from the masters table.

Jesus then tells the woman her child is healed because of her faith.
While there are many issues that can be addressed here... from a place of child advocacy, what this mother did (especially as a woman in her time and place) was an amazing act of bravery and courage.  Many advocates in modern day American contexts struggle to persistently shout for help and justice from those with the power to make it happen.

The inclusion of this story by the author of Matthew is for a purpose.  It vividly makes the point that Jesus did not only come for the Jews.  However, what role does the child inflicted here play?  Is she merely a pity case?  Neither her or her mother are even granted a name.  Readers do not know much about their family situation or other struggles.  Do we see this use of sad stories today in modern society?

Persistence is one important trait of a child advocate.  Others the authors list include: generosity, creativity, strength to confront authority, and daring.  Many modern day advocates are highlighted from Hillary Clinton to Mr. Rogers.

What is one trait you have that you believe is essential for a child advocate?  

How do we as child advocates continue to keep the focus of issues 

on the child and what is best for them?

Is there a bible verse or story that speaks to you about child advocacy?  

Peace and joy~
Erin