{And the winner of “Playdates with God: Having a Childlike Faith in a Grown-Up World” is…LORI HARRIS!}
Today my daughter, “Sici” (nickname pronounced “See-See”) writes about what it means for her to preserve her childlike faith as she grows up. It started with me asking if she could draw a winner for the giveaway, which led to her asking if she could guest post for me! Such a perfect example of this girl’s spunk, focus and courage.
I couldn’t be a prouder mama to welcome my oldest girl’s words into this space. I learn so much from her each day about walking in confidence and the assuredness of who God’s made us.
Here’s Sici…
When you talk to someone that is relaxed, calm, comfortable, and realistic with how they present themselves, you get a feeling that what is coming from them is genuine. The same is true when you are talking with God. He wants you to be real with him and be where you are.
Kids in particular are very good at this, being authentic in the presence of God. They don’t speak in fancy or intelligent ways. They are just there with Him.
As a 12-year-old, I have experienced times when people are trying to impress through their presentation or teachings. I find this relatable, as all of us can be self-conscious at times, but also so confusing.
Why would we try to be impressive in front of the one who made us?
God sees us on the inside and knows when we are using big vocabulary to show off. When we do this, we aren’t being real with ourselves. Or anyone else. So how can we be more like kids? I am not going to rush it for myself, but how can adults be more like children when they are with Jesus?
Like in middle and high school when people are being more influenced by what others think, we — teens and adults — can be influenced by what the world wants. “I can’t have time with God today, I have to work/calm down/write/talk/play/do something other than this.”
Parents and teachers told you, “Be who you are.” Yes, be who you are, but be who you are in Christ.
Forget what you are “supposed to be” and be who you are in God. Like a toddler. Do they care that they are dancing and singing in their underwear? No. And neither should we. Don’t be ashamed of who you are. Will you dance and sing in your underwear or have a tea party with your face covered in colorful handprints from finger painting gone awry? Probably not.
But will you be genuine in the presence of God and do what he asks you to do?
That you can do. And that is what He wants you to do.
“Sici” Larkin is in the seventh grade at her K-8 school. She loves soccer and dancing. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with family and friends, writing, making creations with her Rainbow Loom, collaging and reading.
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Congratulations on winning “Playdates with God,” Lori! Let’s chat, and I’ll get your address there on Avent Street, so I can send this book to you pronto. You are going to love it!
Linking today with Lisha, Kelli and Jennifer.
Connecting through the power of stories written, spoken and lived
So enjoying watching this girl come into her own!
Thank you Kimber for your encouragement today!
-Sici
Sici!!! Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts with us here! Your first post of many more to come, I’m sure.God has given you such wisdom, strength, courage, intelligence, warmth and sincerity. I’m so proud of you honey for who you are and how you live your life! Thank you for encouraging me today to live authentically! I love you Sici girl!!!
I hope to write more here. Maybe I’ll even start a blog of my own! Thank you!
-Sici
Sici, that was my exact thought!!!! Xoxo
Sici-you are wise beyond your years, dear heart! Well written. Bold and courageous! You’re mamma is so proud of you! (I can tell!)
Thank you Marcy! I appreciate your words!
-Sici
Sici, what beautiful insight and depth. You are an amazing young person and your Opa is so proud of you. Your maturity is beyond your years and who you are makes us so proud.
Your future excites me. Love Opa
I appreciate your words here Opa!
-Fraulein Einstein (aka Sici)
what a cute idea and great writing. Keep it up little one you are on your way.
Thank you Sharon! I am excited to see what the future holds for me!
-Sici
Loved reading this, Sici! Way to be brave and ask your cute mama to share your heart on her blog. Well done, sweet girl. This was my favorite:
“Forget what you are “supposed to be” and be who you are in God. Like a toddler. Do they care that they are dancing and singing in their underwear? No. And neither should we. Don’t be ashamed of who you are.”
Hope to *never* be caught dancing and singing in my underwear, but may I be genuine in the presence of God always. Thanks for the reminder! :)
XOXO,
Mags
Oh I love this… and I love it when our girlies teach us Mama’s a thing or two!
“Yes, be who you are, but be who you are in Christ.
Forget what you are “supposed to be” and be who you are in God.”
That’ll preach, Sici! That’ll preach!
xoxo
Sici, you have a wonderful way with words. I’m so impressed by your insight an the wisdom you share here. I’m so glad you followed your heart and asked you mom to share with us today. Your words would make a nice post script to my book!
Wow! Please teach us more Sici! The Lord is speaking through you very clearly. What a gift you are to all generations. God bless you sister ♡
Thank you Sisi for the reminder. I can be hopelessly prideful and vain. Sometimes it’s hard to keep our faith genuine and simple. I need God working in me daily to change me, help me to love Him and others from a pure (child like)heart. And to remind me that I was made for one purpose, to bring my Creator glory everyday. Anything else is me, trying to make things more complicated.
You are amazing! Thank you for sharing! Amy
Sici – some people are blessed with 20/20 eyesight. But your vision goes well beyond that – into the depths and hearts of things. You are clear-sighted, insightful, and you have a beautiful way of expressing what your eyes and heart perceive. The gift you’ve been given turns into a gift for us all. Thank you dearest girl! How precious you are!!!
Sici – you are a blessing. Thanks for sharing.
Sici, thank you for sharing with us. I love your thoughts. I love this reminder to be child-like and free with God and in our lives. I think I will dance and sing in my underwear.
I love reading your words Sici! So mature and thoughtful!
Thank you Sici for you great insight into something so many adults struggle with. I am so proud of the beautiful & mature young lady you have become, & impressed with your self-confidence & deep love for God! Keep writing & sharing your God-given gifts….I look forward to seeing what He has in store for your life!
I love your girl, Ashley! She is going places for sure and I can’t wait to see where she ends up!
Sici…your mama is an amazing writer and so are YOU! Thanks for the beautiful reminder that being “just me” in the presence of God is perfect and His desire. Loved hearing your thoughts. Awesome!!
Sici, the way you express yourself with such clarity and confidence and wisdom, at 12 years old, is nothing short of delightful and stunning. I loved reading this and “hearing” your voice. You are a straight talker, I can tell, in the best kind of way, and that will serve you well as you grow. Thank you for taking the time to share your perspective – we adults need to hear from kids and teens how some of the ways we look and act can be confusing and not very real. And you’re right, we certainly don’t need to be doing this with God, either.
Sici- You come from wise and wonderful folks and you are a testament to them and the Creator. And now if I am found dancing in my underwear, I will know who to blame!
Oh my gosh, that girl! Ashley are you just ridiculously proud right now? I am, and she’s not even mine. I love her wisdom and her heart. Her kind soul shines through so clearly not just in her words here but in her presence and hospitality when we came and stayed with you. This one is a keeper and I see mama’s amazing talent and heart have been planted firmly in her girl.
What a great post, Sici! You are full of wisdom. Thank you for encouraging us to be the “real us” with God.
Wow! That was beautiful!! Not surprisingly, I am in tears! What a wonderful reminder for me today. I was feeling vulnerable after a conversation with my peers last night and Sici’s writing reminded me that’s it’s okay to be me. What a relief it is that God is always with me, so I can check in with God when I feel insecure. But I forget to ask for God’s help so it’s good to have reminders. Thank you for being real and sharing Sici, it helps so much!
Sici, you had my jaw on the floor within the first couple of sentences. Such depth and wisdom, girl. And what a precious, precious heart. Ashley, your girl is anointed. As is her mama. So much love.
Wow, wow, wow. I have one incredible daughter and she has one very proud Papa!
This is amazing. What a wise soul. So mature and eloquent. I just ate up every word. Precious.
sici~ I cant wait to share these words with savannah. she loves to write too! the thing that touches me most about your thoughts are that I can see that you know Him. you know your God. how blessed you are to know Him at such a young age. your writing is a gift & a glimpse into His creativity that He has placed in your heart. proud of you! love u, kindy