“Could You Convert?” & “Oh, Where are you God?”

This is PK, the author of our first entry on chapters 6 and 7, with her younger brother, Bee. She said they were at the airport to pic up her uncle, and she thinks she was about 8 years old. I think you'll appreciate what she has to say here -- so happy reading!

I am enjoying this book so far and know the upcoming chapters will be just as interesting. I was inspired by the Paper Bag Story and how Priscilla mentioned that life was about taking “leaps of faith.” When we think of children in these terms, we know that they are risk takers and face many challenges before they develop a sense of trust and independence.

Reading about the Paper Bag story made me realize that life is in fact like a paper bag. It’s about dealing with your problems, big or small, and realizing you wouldn’t have it any other way, because you don’t know what others are having to deal with. At times we tend to over exaggerate our problems and then we hear about someone else’s problems, realizing ours aren’t that bad after all. The Paper Bag analogy is something worth sharing and remembering. It serves as a reminder that your challenges are unique, and you are the only one who will be able to overcome them.

While adults may have many challenges of their own, children also feel the pressure. Their developing selves can be a challenge. As they become aware of their abilities, feelings and environment, it can be overwhelming. Erikson’s developmental theory can best describe these challenges. One critical period in their lives includes the stage of autonomy versus shame and doubt. Children learn to hold on to their achievements and let go of their failures. Success in this stage allows the child to develop a sense of autonomy. For instance, if a child is ridiculed and punished every time he spills his milk, he’ll start to doubt his abilities and feel ashamed. He might continue to apply this view to other tasks he performs. If he was encouraged instead of punished, he would soon master the task and feel competent. Big or small, children face challenges they must learn to deal with and overcome.

I remember that as a child, the thought of learning how to ride a bicycle seemed impossible. No one held my bike for me. I got on and just started pedaling. I fell a couple times, ran into curbs, trees, and even my siblings, all before I learned how to steer my wheels. It was difficult at first, but I learned it. Every child needs opportunities like this.

This chapter couldn’t have ended on a better note. I agree with Priscilla that life is indeed about taking leaps of faith. Learning is a big part of life, which also comes with taking risks. I can see how hard it must have been to feel so uncertain and lost. Perhaps the Paper Bag Story led her to the conclusion that challenges were only opportunities to take a leap of faith. Having said this, we can all agree that children are the greatest risk takers! We see it right in front of our eyes, as they learn to jump, skip, go up and down the stairs and make new friends.

I am excited and look forward to my readings. I know that every chapter will give me greater insight on the many wonders of life. I find these women and their stories to be inspirational. The impact of their stories, at times, includes the emotions of hurt, shock, and sadness. Although this chapter didn’t mention much about children, it was easy to make the connections, because like adults, they must learn to adapt to their environment.