Can you trust God's love?
At the bottom of the ocean lies Peter, the oyster, wondering that same question. His family wasn't often able to take care of him. He knows God says he loves him, but how far and wide does God's love go? Is it different than what he knew from his own family?
Peter embarks on an adventure to find out. With the help of his friend Ben, the crab, they find themselves in all sorts of trouble testing if God's love will hold fast. What happens when Peter changes his shell? What if he hides, will God search for Peter to prove His love? God continuously reaches out in love, even during Peter's ultimate and final test. As God consistently demonstrates his love for Peter, Peter's trust for God's love grows.
This story demonstrates the love of God in a tangible way to children. Peter, the oyster, has trouble sleeping one night and embarks on a quest to better understand God's love. Each time Peter decides he knows why God loves him, he proves out to test his idea. Unfortunately, his tests don't always go as planned. His friend, Ben, doesn't understand why Peter goes to such lengths to understand God's love, but is happy to help when Peter needs him. Peter's last and final test allows him to truly begin trusting God.
An Oyster Tale was written for children who have experienced trauma and are without a consistent example from family of what love feels or looks like. It could benefit children in foster care, orphanages, adopted children or those in abusive home situations.
There are an estimated 132 million orphans worldwide, approximately 415,000 children in foster care in the US and roughly 135,000 US adoptions that take place annually. Short and long term mission workers, orphanage care givers, foster parents and adoptive parents are not often equipped with the understanding of how trauma affects a child's connection to God. This book offers insight to care givers and provides a tool for parents to springboard discussions with their children. Too often I hear from adoptive parents that they need this book.
In addition, the appeal for this book could reach all children who are struggling with trusting God.
It is estimated that 47.9% of US children have experienced trauma. This book can offer them a voice through the main character, Peter, and an understanding that they are not alone. All children need to know they are valued and loved, but the challenges faced by children who have experienced trauma create a filter which can dampen their ability to truly know their worth.
