A new children's picture book
Author Jackie Freeman captures the heart of moms who want to display the Fruit of the Spirit to their children.
Hi friends!
As an elementary school teacher, I have collected dozens of picture books through my 30 years in the classroom. In some ways I consider these books to be old friends because they have provided inspiration for my lessons or reminded me of familiar characters whom I have revisited. A special book that I based a unit around is called “Balloons Over Broadway” which shares how the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Balloon floats came into existence. I shared a way to make DIY balloons at home for an at home balloon parade in my blog this week.
A new children’s picture book that has just been released has had a positive impact on me. It is “I’m Okay, Momma” from Jackie Freeman. I met Jackie in an online writer's group a couple of years ago and we have stayed in touch. She and I met in person, sat together in keynote sessions and enjoyed several meals together during the Hope Writers Conference outside of Charlotte, NC in early November of 2022. As I walked in the conference venue, she saw me and embraced me then she opened “I’m Okay Momma” and began reading it to me. She didn’t know but tears welled up in my eyes as I heard her heart pour from each page as she shared stories in rhyme of how moms show the Fruit of the Spirit to their children in their words and actions.
I have been on her book launch team this week and noticed how people on the team have pointed out the many moms who are portrayed in the book with many different skin tones, hair styles and hair textures, clothing and homes. I think this book will be a way for children to understand tangible actions that model the Fruit of the Spirit. Their moms and grandmothers who read the book to them will be inspired to keep pressing on with their acts of service to show their children love, joy, peace, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness and self control.
Jackie places Scripture at the end of the book to correspond to each of the Fruit of the Spirit. Scripture will always have an effect on a reader so this extra section of the book will be a reminder or an introduction to the characteristics that are highlighted on each page of the book. It will be a reminder of what it means to let faith impact intentional actions in our lives.
I know a little bit about Jackie’s upbringing. She and I are only children who loved their mom and dad. I know that her mother and grandmother provided a strong spiritual foundation to trust God in all things from a young age. This theme in her life is now in the form of a beautifully written picture book whose idea came from a personal story between Jackie and her mother when Jackie was five years old. It makes me want to also show these qualities in my life as a mom to my children more than ever.
Jackie has written two other books which are also engaging for children and adults. Her other children’s book was cowritten by Karen Worthy, is called “Bend Your Knees, Louise” and is being read throughout the USA as it shows how the game of Pickleball is played. Her other book, “Keep A Song in Your Heart”, has provided well known gospel songs to illuminate Christian principles in a devotional format. I highly recommend all three of her books and hope you will check them out!
When I see how Jackie has shown her thankfulness by honoring her mother’s memory in the form of her new book as well as in the music devotional book, it inspires me to also be thankful for my loved ones and show them acts of kindness and service. My prayer is for God to grow the Fruit of the Spirit in my life.
It’s a bit early, but I’d like to wish you a Happy Thanksgiving!
See you next week!
Lisa Maples