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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