In a unique combination of biblical interpretation and fiction, It Should Have Been Me uses a simple metaphor to explain to young readers the debt we owe Jesus. We know that Jesus, who was without sin, bore the weight of our own and died so that we could live forever with God. This inspirational tale will lead you into a greater understanding of that sacrifice.
In this fictional account, Joey, a murderer, is about to be executed. After awaiting death in anguish, he's saved only by his mother's willingness to die in his place under the laws of the land. Only then does Joey repent of his criminal behavior and turn his life around. Hand-drawn illustrations bring this message to life for young readers, enabling them to visualize and comprehend an often-abstract concept.
In a bonus section entitled "Straight from a Kid's Mind," author Rev. Fred L. Buckner's own grandchildren offer a childlike perspective on this book's moral in heartfelt drawings, complete with captions and commentary.
Readers of all ages will be touched by the story of one mother's love and how her sacrifice reflects the most perfect love of all-God's gift to us of his son, Jesus.
About the Author: Educator, administrator, and author Rev. Fred L. Buckner earned a bachelor of theology from the International Seminary in Plymouth, Florida, before becoming a licensed minister in 1986. He was ordained in 2016 at Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church in Bakersfield, California. Rev. Buckner spent many years at Bakersfield City School District as a teacher, a vice-principal and retired as principal of Leo G. Pauly Elementary School. He is currently on the ministry staff at Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church. Rev. Buckner and his wife, Edna, coauthored Words for the Soul: A Treasury of God's Word and Inspirational Thoughts of Minister Fred L. Buckner.
Illustrator Michael Vincent Pamine is a student of fine arts at La Consolacion College, Bacolod City, Philippines.
