Respect All God's Children

Whether or not you have a young girl in American Heritage Girls, you will love this lesson on Respect that incorporated Badge work from "All Gods Children".

Share the T.H.I.N.K. before you speak poster and go over what each word means.

Read 2 Kings 2:23-25.

What did the boys say to Elisha?

Do you think God is pleased when we tease others?

What happened to the boys?

We may not have a mob of angry bears sent after us when we are disrespectful to others, but there often are natural consequences for our actions.  What may be some consequences of not THINKing before you speak?

Activity: Let's play a game!  The leader or parent will say a phrase or comment that is either respectful or disrespectful.  If it is disrespectful, the children will hide under their chairs so the bear will not get them (the leader may choose to dramatically run about the room as if being chased by a bear).  If it is respectful, the children can come out from under their chairs and dance and frolic about.  I used the phrases in Pathfinder handbook on page 63, but you may make up for own.  For example, "I don't like your shirt" is disrespectful, so the children will hide under their chairs.  "You look very nice today" is kind and respectful, so the children will come out from under their chairs and dance about.

Once the wiggles are all out, read the Parable of the Lost Sheep (Matthew 18:12-14).  Do you think God cares for each one of us?  Do you think those that have a physical disability or impairment are special to God?  Discuss some examples of a physical disability or impairment.  What are ways someone might become disabled?  Do you know anyone with a disability?  What things are they able to do as well or better than you? Some physical disabilities make it very difficult to accomplish everyday tasks.  What are some things that would be difficult to do if you did not have use of your legs?  What about if you did not have use of your arms?  What if you could not see?

Activity:  While wearing a pair of socks, try putting on a zippered skirt and button-down shirt.  How did this activity make you feel?  Did others laugh at you while you tried to accomplish this?  How did the words and actions of others make you feel?

 Discuss "positive" and "people first" language.  Do not define others by their disability or limit what they can accomplish!  Discuss how can we use our words to build others up, instead of tearing them down.  By showing others God's mercy, kindness, love, and hope we can encourage and inspire them to overcome incredible obstacles and make a big impact in the world.  Fanny Crosby was blind, but yet she went on to write hundreds of hymns, many of which are still sung in churches today (see my lesson on Perseverance and Braille).  Kyle Maynard was born with legs that end near the knees and arms at the elbows, and yet he can drive, dress himself, type on a keyboard, live on his own, and even bear crawled to the 19,340ft. summit of Mt. Kilimanjaro!

Activity:  Sometimes we need to learn to use other senses or body parts to overcome a disability or impairment.  People who do not have the use of their hands draw or paint with their mouths.  Practice writing your name with your mouth.  Was this easy or hard?  Practice 5-10 times.  Did it get easier?  Why would it be important to have people encouraging you and building you up?

Life Application: Discuss some creative ways you can share with someone that they are special and loved by you and God.

We may all be as different as these crazy socks, but we are all created and loved by God!