I don’t know much about Duck
Dynasty, but I recognize a worthwhile devotional.
Duck Commander: Devotions for Kids
Authors: Robertson, Korie & Chrys Howard
Publisher: Tommy Nelson
Pages: 223
Before reading Duck
Commander: Devotions for Kids I knew little more about the Robertsons, the
stars of Duck Dynasty, than I did
about the Kardashians. Thanks to this book I have a new respect for the former.
I don’t know much about duck hunting, but I know an excellent devotional when I
read one.
It uses concepts and language that a child can
understand. Each devotion starts with a simple story from the Robertson family.
Sometimes humorous, but always attention-getting, they lead to basic thoughts
about a verse of Scripture.
The first one is a favorite: “Pleasant words are like a
honeycomb. They make a person happy and healthy” (Proverbs 16:24). This and
most of the other passages are taken from the International Children’s Bible.
The verse above precedes the thought, “You have the power
to change someone’s day just by the words you use” (16). The concluding idea
sums up the focus, “When you use your words to build someone up, that is using
your voice to make God happy” (16).
Each section includes a short prayer and ideas for
application. The title, “Words to Waterproof,” is drawn from the latter. “There
are special sprays that will waterproof your boots so rain will roll right off
them. Using kind words helps to waterproof the people you love, causing other
unkind words to roll right off them. You will be like a kindness umbrella,
covering your friends and brothers and sisters with love!” A profound thought
for any age group; this is representative of the well-written and creative
exposition of Biblical truth.
You don’t have to know about the Robertsons or their show
to benefit. I have not seen a single episode, but reading this showed me how
serious they are about their faith. There is nothing controversial here, just
solid, insightful thoughts about putting the Bible into practice.
During the course of reading this I had a discouraging
morning at work one day. As I sat in my car on a break, I decided to read the
next devotional. It just happened to be “Handling Disappointments.” I read the
verse, “Give all your worries to him, because he cares for you” (1 Peter 5:7).
The story followed. Sadie wanted to be a cheerleader, but
when she didn’t make the team, she became discouraged. Discouragement is common
to all, but “What we don’t have to do is stay
disappointed” (126).
I kept reading, “When something disappoints you, learn to
get over it quickly” (126). It was just what I needed. I left my car feeling a
little lighter than when I started my break. I was better prepared to return to
the trenches of working retail, an environment that I sometimes liken to
controlled chaos.
The application section for this theme references the
expression, “turn lemons into lemonade.” It then instructs, “Make some
fresh-squeezed lemonade to remind yourself to turn ‘sour’ days into happy days”
(127).
The book succeeds in providing activities like this one
that serve to get a child interacting with family, friends and others, the
outdoors, and in general, the world at large. Actually doing something related
to what we read reinforces it.
This covers a wide range of subjects, including an
emphasis on sharing Jesus with others. So much of what a child needs to live a
well-rounded Christian life is here.
Holli Conger, the illustrator, makes the graphics and
colors eye-catching. I’m glad that the human figures represent the diversity of
skin shades in our world.
I learned more about the Robertson family through the
engaging stories, but of course, this is not the focus. The Robertson’s
experiences point to Jesus and the Word. The emphasis here is helping children
get closer to God and others. This is an admirable effort that works well
toward that end.
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