DESCRIPTION

Synopsis from atstracts.org

Teasing is one of life's challenges that children face the most of. This tract tackles the understanding of having self-confidence through God.

TRACT TEXT

“Amy's adopted,” shouted some kids on the school playground. “Her parents gave her away.” Amy tried hard not to cry. She quickly ran back to her classroom. Amy had recently been adopted at the age of ten. At first she was proud of being adopted—until now!

“Amy’s parents didn’t want her,” the same kids started yelling the next day. This time Amy faced her tormentors. “My parents chose me,” she answered. “They didn’t have to keep me.” Then she walked away. The crowd went away too. They knew she was right. She didn’t seem upset either. It wasn’t fun to tease Amy anymore.

You might think that no one gets teased except you. But that’s not true. Most kids get teased. They just don’t admit it to you. Sometimes even adults get teased. Does that surprise you?

God made you (Psalm 139:13–16). He made each person you know also. There is only one you in the whole world. That’s why everybody’s different from everybody else.

Ben got teased for being too short. Janet was teased for being too tall. If you are a little skinny or chubby, you’ll probably get teased. If you know all the answers in class, kids may be jealous and make fun of you. Even if you fail a test, you may get teased. You can be teased for wearing glasses or the wrong kind of shoes.

One way to handle teasing is to be sure you’re never alone. Jesus says you don’t have to be alone (Hebrews 13:5-6). He wants to be your very best friend (John 11:11).

A long time ago God sent His Son, Jesus, to earth. He died and rose again in order to pay the penalty for your sins. But first you have to ask Him to forgive you. You must ask Him into your life. You must accept His forgiveness.

Remember when your friend invited you to their birthday party? You didn’t just go to the party. First you accepted the invitation. Maybe your friend just called and asked you to come. Or maybe you got an invitation with R.S.V.P. written at the bottom. That meant, “Let us know if you accept this invitation.” You said, “Yes, I’ll come.”

God has given you an invitation. He offers to be with you always as you go through life. Then He invites you to live with Him in heaven, probably a long time from now, when you die. But first you must accept His invitation. You must R.S.V.P. You can give Him His answer now if you want to (John 3:16):

Dear Jesus, please forgive me for my sins. I want You in my life. I want You to control my life. And please be my Friend. Then I’ll never be alone. Thank you. Amen.

Remember, you’re not alone now (Matthew 28:20b). That’s really important.

So when you are teased, try not to show that it hurts. Remember Amy? She walked away. Later you can talk to Jesus about it. He’s your Friend. You can also talk to your parents or a good friend. They care. Always tell somebody. Don’t let it go on.

Sometimes there are ways you can change so that you won’t be teased. Don’t lose your homework on the way to school. Don’t talk with your mouth full. And definitely do learn your spelling words.

But don’t worry about your red hair or your new pair of eye glasses. They probably look just fine. And don’t forget, everyone gets teased. When you’re grown up you’ll be glad that God made you just the way you are. A very special person!

Elizabeth R. Skoglund

(written especially for Hannah)

Photo by Imagesource • Printed in USA • ©2003

ISBN# 1-55837-693-3