The Bluebonnet Child: Finding Grace in Poor Soil

by Meggie Lee Calvin

Overview

The Bluebonnet flower grows in very poor soil. One would never guess this truth but the bright, proud bonnets tell no lies. Not even the unkempt soil can keep a Bluebonnet from producing its lovely blossoms. People can be similar to the Bluebonnet flower. They are born into poor soil and have to live with the challenges presented to them. Kids from neglectful or abusive families are Bluebonnet children. We are trained in children's and family ministry that the parent is the primary faith nurturer. But what happens to a child who does not have a healthy parent to nourish them? Whether you serve in a school, nonprofit program, or the local church, this book will equip you with helpful tools and inspire you with hope-filled stories. While the tale of the Bluebonnet child is heavy, in Christ there is hope. He is counting on you to shower them with the healing waters of His grace as they bloom through life.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781498245968
Publisher:	Wipf & Stock Publishers
Publication date:	08/01/2017
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	102
File size:	4 MB

About the Author

Meggie Lee Calvin's roots are in Texas, but she has served in the Sunflower State as the Director of Children's Ministry at the FUMC of Winfield (www.winfieldfumc.org) for nearly a decade. She has a BA in Religion from Southwestern College of Kansas and an MA in Children's and Family Ministry from Bethel Seminary of Minnesota. She blogs at www.thebluebonnetchild.com. She and her husband spend most of their free time playing tag with their young daughter.

Table of Contents

Permissions vii

Acknowledgments ix

Introduction xi

Chapter 1 Defined 1

Chapter 2 Rooted 4

Chapter 3 Biblical Bluebonnets 8

Chapter 4 The Bible Tells Me So 11

Chapter 5 Supplemental Hope 15

Chapter 6 The Triple A Approach 20

Chapter 7 Be Aware 23

Chapter 8 Advocate 35

Chapter 9 Articulate 51

Chapter 10 Stories of Promise 68

Chapter 11 Apocalyptic Assurance 73

Chapter 12 Follow the Call, Make a Call 78

Chapter 13 A Guide for Discussion 82

Bibliography 89

What People are Saying About This

From the Publisher

“Anyone who has worked with children (or youth) will recognize exactly what Meggie Calvin means when she speaks of bluebonnet children, who like the bluebonnet can thrive in the poorest of conditions. But how do we influence children to become a bluebonnet? Through sharing personal experiences, quality research, and practical support, she proclaims hope in an otherwise overwhelming task. I heartily recommend it for pastors, teachers, youth, and children’s workers.”

—Ashlee Alley, Clergy Recruitment and Development Coordinator, Great Plains United Methodist Conference



“Ministering to children who come from hurt places is not easy or often intuitive, but it is essential. In The Bluebonnet Child, Meggie Calvin faithfully walks through Scripture to reveal how to best embrace and serve children from hurt places. . . . I wish I had this book when we started! Calvin has provided a robust resource to empower the local church, ministry leaders, and families to reach children more effectively and with God-glorifying love.”

—Matt Guevara, Executive Director, International Network of Children’s Ministry



“The Bluebonnet Child is a call to minister to all of God’s children, including those who come from challenging home environments. Meg guides the reader with her inspiring personal story and with her years of experience in ministering to the bluebonnet child. Be prepared for spiritual discomfort and a compelling learning experience that cannot be missed!”

—David Brian Smith, Senior Pastor, First United Methodist Church-Winfield

Editorial Reviews

Anyone who has worked with children (or youth) will recognize exactly what Meggie Calvin means when she speaks of bluebonnet children, who like the bluebonnet can thrive in the poorest of conditions. But how do we influence children to become a bluebonnet? Through sharing personal experiences, quality research, and practical support, she proclaims hope in an otherwise overwhelming task. I heartily recommend it for pastors, teachers, youth, and children’s workers.”

—Ashlee Alley, Clergy Recruitment and Development Coordinator, Great Plains United Methodist Conference



“Ministering to children who come from hurt places is not easy or often intuitive, but it is essential. In The Bluebonnet Child, Meggie Calvin faithfully walks through Scripture to reveal how to best embrace and serve children from hurt places. . . . I wish I had this book when we started! Calvin has provided a robust resource to empower the local church, ministry leaders, and families to reach children more effectively and with God-glorifying love.”

—Matt Guevara, Executive Director, International Network of Children’s Ministry



“The Bluebonnet Child is a call to minister to all of God’s children, including those who come from challenging home environments. Meg guides the reader with her inspiring personal story and with her years of experience in ministering to the bluebonnet child. Be prepared for spiritual discomfort and a compelling learning experience that cannot be missed!”

—David Brian Smith, Senior Pastor, First United Methodist Church-Winfield

From the Publisher