A journey worth taking…

I am about two-thirds through Too Small to Ignore. Almost immediately I was thinking, “Wow, I have to get this in the hands of everyone who works with children. What an incredible message... about raising, loving and inspiring children.” I even found myself thinking, “I wish I had read this before I had kids…” A wonderful mix of boyhood adventures growing up in a West African village skillfully woven into a call to make children a real priority in life.

The book is far more than tales from afar. It is full of challenges applicable to rearing, raising and educating children. Wess Stafford writes, “I am championing a set of four freedoms … that every child deserves:
· Freedom from drivenness, time pressure and hurry
· Freedom from materialism -the obsession with things
· Freedom from corrosive competition
· Freedom from daily fear
These are among the most vital gifts we can bestow upon the coming vulnerable generation. Without them, they will be forever stunted, misshapen, and thrown off stride in attempting to reach their full potential."

I resonated with his challenge regarding drivenness, time pressure and hurry and with his word about materialism (my own mistakes in these areas not withstanding). I chaffed some with his words about competition; but after letting his words sit a while, I must admit I found much wisdom in his thoughts. “Good stuff, positive, encouraging, upbeat,” I thought. “I have to get this book into the hands of parents and others who work with kids.”

After my first post on the book a friend commented on Facebook: I read that book two summers ago. What a compassionate man Wess is! I won't spoil the story but it has twists and turns you won't expect. Was she ever correct!

There were times during my reading when I smiled with delight and other times when rivers of tears streak my cheeks dripping onto my shirt (literally). I was not prepared for the some of Wess’ experiences. I offer no detail; it is a journey you must take for yourself.