How Do You Say Goodnight?

It can be easy to criticize or put down others when they are different from us. Whether it is the way they look, their actions or their customs, rather than find similarities or things we might agree upon, it has become acceptable to make that person feel like an outsider. Instead, God wants us to love everyone like He would love them. This can be a hard concept to understand at any age. How Do You Say Good Night?is a great way for families to talk about celebrating the differences amongst one another.

In How Do You Say Good Night?Zoey the zebra is on a quest to find the best way to say good night. She asks different animals how they say good night. She witnesses the bedtime routine of lions, warthogs, monkeys, and more, all of which seem fun! In the end, when she returns home to her family, she says good night with her zebra family in their own special way, and it feels just right! How Do You Say Good Night?is a fun story that encourages kids to celebrate differences.

Teaching little ones to celebrate differences and appreciate the blessing of their own unique family, How Do You Say Good Night? will also be a great way to introduce the concept of diversity in an embracing and respectful way and will show the importance of thanking God for everything He provides. It also offers families a delightful way to unwind together at the end of the dayand includes whimsical art of safari animals getting ready for bed.

 ^“Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ. ¹³ For we were all baptized by^[c] one Spirit so as to form one body—whether Jews or Gentiles, slave or free—and we were all given the one Spirit to drink. ¹⁴ Even so the body is not made up of one part but of many. ¹⁷ If the whole body were an eye, where would the sense of hearing be? If the whole body were an ear, where would the sense of smell be? ¹⁸ But in fact God has placed the parts in the body, every one of them, just as he wanted them to be. ¹⁹ If they were all one part, where would the body be? ²⁰ As it is, there are many parts, but one body.” 1 Corinthians 12:12-14, 17-20

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Risen Reflections

Celebrate differences. Take time this week to celebrate the differences amongst your family, friends, co-workers, teammates or small group. Have each person write their name at the top of a piece of paper. Then, rotate papers. Have each person write one thing that they appreciate about the person whose name is at the top of the paper. Keep rotating until everyone has had an opportunity to write one thing on everyone’s paper. It can be great to post the paper somewhere that you can see or tuck it away for a day when you need some encouragement. If you prefer to share out loud instead of writing, have everyone gather for a meal and rotate people sharing. Make sure that everyone is included and gets a turn.

Try something different. Sometimes it can help us to understand why others believe a certain thing or have a certain attitude if we seek to experience their perspective. It might mean visiting a different church, volunteering at a ministry, or going on a mission trip. Pray and ask God to show you what He wants you to take from the experience. Be willing and open to doing something that might be out of your comfort zone. It can be helpful to go with a friend or your small group and then discuss your experiences afterwards.

Be different. It can be difficult taking a stand for your faith. From what you wear to your outlook and responses, God wants us to be in the world but not of the world. While others might put you down or criticize you for your faith, don’t get discouraged. It is okay not to give in to the crowd, especially if it means not honoring God. Ask God to give you strength to take a stand for your faith. Find others through a small group or ministry at church that can encourage and pray for you. Remember to pray for those that persecute you.

We were given a copy of How Do You Say Goodnight? for review from Frontgate Media. All of our thoughts and opinions are our own.