Christian Flash Literature: A Gift of Innocence

 Prompt: 2 Cor 9:15 “Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift”

It started with a simple announcement during intercessory prayers. ”Mr. Leon has passed away; let us pray for him and his family.”

Although I didn’t see her at the time, a little girl around seven years old sat next to her grandmother softly sobbing. Her grandmother pulled her close to comfort her.

The two approached Father and I after mass, but they wanted to talk to me.  

“Deacon, this is Iris. She gets upset at mass when they mention people that have died. Earlier this year, her twin baby brothers died at five months. You have children could you speak with her.”

I saw her tears and had no idea what to say. I just opened my mouth and the Holy Spirit took over.  I think, this is what I said.

“Iris, I’m sorry you’re sad about your brothers. It hurts when we no longer have those we love around us. But sometimes, babies and other people get so weak Jesus calls them to be with him.

Jesus loves babies and little children so much. Instead of letting your baby brothers hurt, he asked them to come to him, so he could make them well. I know that made everybody sad.

See Jesus on the cross with his arms outstretch, looks like someone ready to give a hug and hold you tight. Doesn’t you grandmother do that when she wants a hug? Don’t you like to get hugs from your mamma?

Jesus wants to love and hug all of us. Jesus’ hugs are so big and wonderful that if you take all the mommas, daddies, mammas and papaws hugs and put them together, Jesus’ hug would be better.

Jesus is hugging and loving your baby brothers with his whole heart. Another thing about Jesus’ love is when you love Jesus; you let your baby brothers know you love them. When you pray and ask Jesus to hold you and hug you, his hugs are so big and full of love that he is hugging you and your brothers at the same time.

Even though you can’t see Jesus or your brothers, they are in your heart. You know they are being taken care of by Jesus and will feel it in your heart, every time you feel love for them. .

Say your prayers and ask Jesus to hug you tight and protect you. Always love your brothers and you’ll always be close to them because Jesus is holding them and loving them at the same time he’s loving and hugging you.”

Iris smiled through teary eyes. Her grandmother smiled and thanked me. I cried; because, in this child' s smile, I saw Jesus, who died for us, loving and pulling all of us near.

This is a true story; even a small child can minister to us.