Filed under: Encouragement
Some of you maybe thinking what is flannel graph? Others of you are ancient enough to know what I am talking about. If the ancient ones would indulge me long enough to explain flannel graph to the internet generation, then we can all be on the same page and get on with this blog.
Flannel graph is one of the cheesiest teaching tools ever invented. My mom used it to teach Sunday school class when I was a kid. It was basically a big board covered in green flannel cloth. Then the worst graphics designer at the curriculum company was given the assignment to draw the people represented in the various Bible stories. They were made into cut outs and more heavy duty flannel was placed on the back of them so they would then stick to the big green board. It made the Bible stories and their characters come alive!
No, I’m not kidding, it really did make them come alive. Actually, it was more mom’s story telling ability then it was the scary looking cut outs. Anyways, we went through the whole Old Testament in a year, and my outlook on scripture would never be the same.
As a result, when I am faced with a circumstance in life that needs Biblical guidance, and let’s face it for me that is daily, I don’t type a topical word like “courage” into a Google search and look for all the verses that have “courage” in them. I try and think of Bible stories where characters were faced with the need for courage and see how they handled it. I end up reading great stories about boys who fought lions and bears only to stand the ultimate test of courage and kill a 9’ 2” giant. Stories about a beauty pageant winner who dared to enter the king’s court without being summoned at the risk of her own mortal demise.
I am reminded that the same God they serve is also my God who hasn’t changed a bit since these stories were written. If they could do it through His power, then so can I. In fact, God had these true stories written for just that reason. In our time of need we wouldn’t just have to go find a verse, but we could find a person who has walked in, for what is to us, unchartered territory.
Whatever situation you may be facing in life right now there is a Bible story that applies to you. All you have to do is find it.
Turns out flannel graph doesn’t just stick to big ugly green boards, it also stuck in one little boy’s heart and mind. For that I am eternally grateful.
Freedom In Him,
John (8:36)
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I loved flannel graphs. I always wonder why they don’t still have them around. I went to a neighborhood Bible Study as a child. The flannel graphs did make the characters come alive. I’m 50 years old and can still remember how those stories held my attention.
Comment by Suzan May 17, 2009 @ 2:14 PM