Childhood expression

by Elizabeth Gilroy
Two weeks ago I started a creative writing class with a group of junior and high school students. I absolutely love inspiring kids to write.  It is clearly my passion and one that I want to infect the world with around me. And right now my world is mostly about kids, whether it be my own, other's or the girls and boys that are being sold in to prostitution on the streets here in San Jose.

Well, this morning I decided to do a creative writing project with Gabi and Abi since they are not a part of the older kids creative writing class. While they sat writing their project, I understood the power of legacy and how important it is to pass on such passions to our children. Writing is a tool our children can use to affect the world around them.  As I pass on my passion and skills, they will learn to use it and create with it in ways that are beyond even where I am.

Here is a sample of what we did today. I found this photo on the internet and told them to look at it and write whatever came to their minds. While gentle music played in the background, here is what they wrote.

Little Girl

by Abigail Gilroy

Little girl on green grass soft as feathers

Sweet little girl with white tights and many frights.

She follows her dreams through everything.

Little girl sweet as honey

and shimmering brown hair.

Sunshine

by Gabriella Gilroy

Smell the grass, the dirt, the trees

See the children play, 

All but one,

She sits alone thinking

no one likes her.

The boys play pranks,

the girls gossip.

Poor little girl.

The sun shines down on the fields.

Nobody seems to notice the twinkle in her eye.

Writing is a powerful form of expression. It can touch every aspect of the human condition. If we can teach our kids, now while they are young, to reach into the pain and suffering of others, we have begun our journey of making them true missionaries. Missionaries that pursue the heart of God, to care about what He cares about, to act from His calling and be the hands and feet of healing and hope for others. 

Either write something worth reading or do something worth writing. 

~ Ben Franklin