Lutheran Partners Magazine
Anne Lee, video editor

I am with You Always, based on Matthew 28:20, is a tender conversation between Martin E. Marty and a small group of children about the things that children fear and the ways in which they can face and deal with their fears.

"Being frightened is nothing to be afraid of," Marty assures the children. "All kinds of people are frightened. It helps if we can own up to our fears." Marty asks the children what frightens them, validates their fears, offers suggestions for dealing with them, and comments with theological and biblical insights.

The children share fears that range from bullies in the neighborhood to the death of parents and terrorism. Marty treats each child’s response with respect and solicits their help in providing solutions.

Opening his Faith Tool Box, Marty pulls out objects that help the children visualize ways in which they can feel connected with people who can help them overcome their fears and anxieties. The Bible is full of fears and what people did with them, he points out, and the Bible is a "toolbox" for Christians. It is full of stories about people who had fears, and it contains passages of comfort.

I found this resource refreshing, as well as a glimpse into Marty's teaching style and relationship with children that many of us have not had the privilege of seeing before. Taped on location at Ascension Lutheran Church, Riverside, Illinois, this excellent program is enhanced by a beautiful and original musical score by Randall Sensmeier. The multi-cultural cast of children responds easily to Marty's warm and affirming relationship with them and participates in the presentation by reading prayers on "old scrolls" at the end of each segment.

MARTY HAS MODELED FOR US THE BEST IN PASTORAL CARE WITH CHILDREN!

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