Continuing our series of going through LITTLE HOUSE ON THE PRAIRIE episodes and how to use them to teach Biblical lessons within the home: episodes 7-9.
Episode 7: Town Party, Country Party. This episode hit home with us. A little girl named Olga comes to school and she has a major limp due to her legs not being the same length. She is teased by the other children; not by Laura or Mary of course. But what’s also hard is that Olga’s father is VERY protective of her. He doesn’t want her going to play with the other children because she has to sit and watch them play and he knows she gets teased. Mr.Ingalls saves the day by constructing a shoe for Olga – helping her to walk evenly.
Our oldest daughter was born with severe hip dysplasia. She’s had multiple surgeries and we’re not done yet. She has been teased (when she was in the public school) and she has had to sit out of activities; watching the other children play while she can’t. It hurts her heart deeply. It hurts our hearts as her parents.
TAKEAWAY: This is a wonderful opportunity to speak to our children about God’s sovereignty over all things; zoning in on His Sovereignty over children who may look or act differently. These children don’t need teasing but understanding. Encourage your children to love others, no matter how different they may seem. We are all made in God’s image and have value because of it.
And maybe it is your child who feels like Olga, left out from the group and made fun of? Speak to your child about God not making any mistakes. We have had this conversation with our Kaydi multiple of times: HER SUFFERING IS FOR HIS GLORY. And it has been used for His honor. Every surgery, the nurses compliment us on Kaydi’s behavior, even when she was just 3. This opens the door to speak about the Lord and His working in her heart. We give Him ALL the glory and praise.
ROMANS 12:10-16
Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.
Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited.
Episode 8: Ma’s Holiday. This episode had us ROLLING with laughter. We actually rewound a scene and couldn’t stop laughing about it. It’s now become an “inside joke.” I won’t spoil it but it is when Mr.Ingalls takes his wife to the theatre. You’ll know. 😉 lol.
This episode will pull on any mother’s heart. It is soooooo difficult to leave our children and take special time away for ourselves – even when that time is for ourselves and our husband. But it is important and needed. I loved this episode and how it really highlighted how essential “Mama” is to the order of the Home. She knows how to do things “right” and to keep the flow going for everyone. Mrs.Ingalls is a fictional role model of the Proverbs 31 woman. She is not perfect, as we see in episodes, but she is wise and she lives by the Word. She rolls up her sleeves and helps her husband succeed. She is a crown to his head. She manages her little space well. She doesn’t have all the expensive gadgets but she utilizes what she DOES have. She is needed. And while Mr.Edwards watches the girls at home and gets into all sorts of trouble (lol) trying to fill Mama’s shoes, it’s a fun reminder to our important work as mothers.
Takeaway: Don’t feel selfish setting out some alone time with hubby. It really is important. And also, let’s remember as Mothers that we are so important in our Homes. We are the heartbeats. We keep order maintained. We work hard for the Lord and to help our husbands. We instruct the children in the ways of the Lord and take care of them for God’s ultimate glory and purposes. Your role as mother should never be overlooked. Our society HATES motherhood. It’ll encourage you to not “JUST” be a Mama and Wife but Oh sister, it’s one of the HIGHEST CALLINGS.
The heart of her husband trusts in her, and he will have no lack of gain. – PROVERBS 31:11
21 She is not afraid for her household when it snows, for all her household are clothed in crimson. 22 She makes herself coverings; her clothing is fine linen and purple. – PROVERBS 31:21-22
She gets up while it is still night;
she provides food for her family
and portions for her female servants.
16 She considers a field and buys it;
out of her earnings she plants a vineyard.
17 She sets about her work vigorously;
her arms are strong for her tasks. – PROVERBS 31:15-17
Episode 9: School Mom. Ms.Beadle is down (won’t spoil with what) and a new teacher is needed in Walnut Grove. The school board asks Mrs.Ingalls. She is an excellent teacher but learns a hard lesson with one of the older students in the class. She then has a run in confrontation with Mrs.Oleson. It leads to a big conflict and a hard decision for Mrs.Ingalls to make. She wants to help a student but also stick to her convictions – where Mrs. Oleson is concerned.
TAKEAWAY. What I took from this episode is the simple reminder that every child learns differently and at their own paces. It’s not just about coming to school later in life but a fact: NOT ALL CHILDREN LEARN THE SAME. This is one reason we homeschool. I am able to give special attention to areas my children may struggle with. Instead of grading all children on the same scale – they’re able to learn and study in the best way for them. And it works!
There’s also a lot to be said here about dealing with selfish and difficult people. How are we to handle people who act with mean motives, not looking to the benefit of others but only to themselves? This episode opens the door to have this conversation with your children. What does Jesus say?
Ephesians 4:31-32
Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.
I pray you’re enjoying this series as much as we are.
WITH LOVE JILLIAN 