Recently, I got a Facebook message from a girl who was really mean to me in school. We were actually best friends for years before that. I’m talking slumber parties, Christmas presents, friendship bracelets. The whole deal. But one school year she found a new table at lunch and a new group of friends, and seemingly overnight they were “the cool kids” with me as their target for years to come.
Her recent message wasn’t even mean, but decades later I still had a pit in my stomach when I realized who it was from. Imagine your childhood bully, just casually sliding into your DM’s as you were writing an article about being bullied and why kindness is so important to you all these years later. Imagine THAT! God is really funny.
In my new children’s book, Spreading Kindness like Betty Confetti, Betty is a girl who constantly goes out of her way to welcome the “new kid”, Brandi, who was feeling left out at school. Betty tries so hard because she remembers what it felt like to be on the outside, herself.
This is so important to me because I’ve lived it.
I’ve often been picked on for being “too much,” picked last for the team, or not chosen at all. I don’t always bounce back quickly from unkind words, but it is God who restores my heart and helps me offer grace and forgiveness to others time and time again.
Once I was the girl looking anxiously around the lunch room, holding my tray, and not knowing where it was safe to sit. Now I’m the woman who confidently says, “You can sit with us!”
One day in school when the mean girls were their meanest, I cried myself to sleep, praying for God to send me just one true friend. Now, I can see SO clearly how He did all that and more. The Lord so lovingly found a way to send me just the friend I needed, to spread kindness like confetti in every season of my life.
I think about how God sent me Susanne on my first day of kindergarten, and now she’s a kindergarten teacher herself. Or how I met Julie as we changed schools and became the “new kids” on the soccer team together. The answer to my prayer in this story was Rach, and she still prays for me, even now. In college came my awesome roommate Andrea, and we are so much alike that it’s wild! On Sorority Bid Day, I actually wasn’t picked at all, but my friend Nicole was waiting for me with open arms, and a BFF T-shirt she made to let me know I still belonged.
It’s not like I’ve gone decades without hurt feelings or heartache, but friends like these make every burden in life a little bit easier to carry.
Even as I entered the workforce pretending to be an adult, I was new, nervous, and lonely. I didn’t know I was about to meet some of the most loyal friends I have ever known. These days, God abundantly answers my grade school prayer with a community of fellow moms (and a real-life Brandi) who have become like family. Just ask my first grader — two of them are his emergency contacts!
I pray Spreading Kindness like Betty Confetti encourages every follower of Jesus (both young and old) to not only pray for God to send us kind friends, but for each of us to BE the KIND of friend others need. To send the invitation, to save the seat, to make room in our hearts, and to pull up an extra chair. I hope that as Christian parents, grandparents, and teachers we will show our children how to include others and be kind to those who may feel left out. May we understand and model that our words matter SO deeply that they can have a lasting impact on others for years to come.
As Betty learned:
You’ve yet to meet a person that Jesus doesn’t love,
so let’s help spread His kindness while He watches from above.
I bet we’ve all had a time when we had our feelings hurt by someone else. Some of us may still be hurting and I pray the Lord helps us forgive and move forward with peace that He has better plans (and better friends) waiting for us. I’m laughing as I also pray that they don’t message you on Facebook tonight just to test your forgiveness.
We have the chance every day to spread kindness like confetti, just like Betty! We can do that In our communities, in our homes. In our churches and in our schools. Whether it’s In the lunch room or in the boardroom, God can use our kind hearts to bless all of those around us. Our friendship can be an answer to someone’s prayer, just when they need it the most.
Is there someone God has laid on your heart that can use some extra kindness? How can you sprinkle some confetti their way today?
Kindness is like confetti; there’s always lots to spare. When we love like Jesus does, we spread it everywhere! Spreading Kindness like Betty Confetti, the second book in the popular Betty Confetti Inspirational Children’s storybook series by author and artist Maghon Taylor, illustrates the importance of being kind to everyone everywhere. Perfect for a little one in your life, this sweet book helps teach about kindness in an adorable and accessible way. When Betty sees a new girl at school, she tries her hardest to offer a warm welcome, but so many obstacles get in Betty’s way! Notes get passed to the wrong people. Lunchroom invitations get mixed up. But in the end, Betty’s kind heart wins the day when she shares kindness with others.
We’re thrilled to give away FIVE copies of Spreading Kindness like Betty Confetti! Just leave a comment about a time you’ve experienced kindness.
And tune in to the (in)courage podcast this weekend as Maghon Taylor and Becky Keife have a conversation about Spreading Kindness like Betty Confetti!
Listen to today’s devotion at the player below or wherever you stream podcasts.
Congratulations on the new book, Meghon!
I love the idea of spreading kindness like confetti. I remember being the new kid at school and church or working in a new department its never easy. Even as an adult if you ask questions it can be a problem. Thanks for the encouragment.
My past sounds a lot like yours. I was always in the outside, looking in. I spent my teenage years as a ‘wanna-be’. I wanted desperately to fit in with those cool kids, but was never quite good enough. Now at 67, and a believer in Jesus, I see in retrospect how He protects us in those formative years and actually KEPT me from those people. Now, I can be thankful! I’d love to get a copy of this for my granddaughter, who’s 10 and feeling those feelings and emotions as I did. Thank you for writing this book!
This just arrived on my phone today, Oct. 3, 2023. It reminds me of the 96 year old (mother of a friend in my widow support group who rejects the Lord at this very late time of her life). This mother has hurts . . . . In her deep hurts, she needs confetti of kindness just to speak with her for opportunity that she will soften her heart to hear and accept the Lord’s love for her. This support group listens for God’s leadership to spread kindness to her mother. I pray that this book could be a tool to spread confetti of love for the 96 year old mother.
I never felt like of the “cool kids”, but they always accepted me anyway. I was blessed to grow up in a very rural area where we were expected to get along and be kind to each other. I realize now that didn’t just happen. I’m sure our parents, teachers, and church friends directly taught us, and also modeled kindness in their lives. My friend is a 3rd grade teacher— I would like to give her this book series for her classroom.
Thank you Maghon and Becky.
When the Lord wakes me up, I am ready to give and receive kindness. I was reared by my Grandmother, Mrs. Willie Bell Perkins. She was kind to everyone. All our neighbors loved my Grandmother. She was the best seamstress in our community. Whenever I was doing errands with her, she would smile and greet everyone on the sidewalks. She said, “Brenda, you are supposed to be kind and say hello to everyone, even if they don’t understand how to return your kindness.”
From my childhood until now, I love to be kind. I’m a Believer and I represent my Lord and Savior. God is so loving kind to me and the Holy Spirit teaches me how to be kind every day in every situation.
Enjoy your day everyone.
Brenda
Your Sister in Christ
Thank you Maghon for this wonderful devotional & reminder to reach out to everyone with God’s love.
I was always on the outside growing up in a suburb of Los Angeles. I was born Jewish & there weren’t very many Jewish kids in my class. I was harassed for my belief along with a weird last name. I always hated starting a new year at school & going through the attendance for when they came to my name & the kids would make fun of me. When I got into Jr. High I became best friends with a Japanese girl, Sandy & she invited me to her church camp down in San Diego area. There I met real Christian kids who loved me with the love of Christ & at 16 years old I gave my life to Christ because of the love these girls gave me.
Since then God has blessed me with an amazing Christian husband of 49 years along with 3 children, their spouses & 4 precious granddaughters. I have always tried to reach out in my adulthood to those who are hurting & encourage them.
I would love a copy of your book to pass on to two of my granddaughters who have returned back to Christian school after being homeschooled for 3 years due to Covid. They are the new kids in 7th & 8th grade & extremely shy.
Lord bless you & thank you for your special words today!
Barbara
Maghon,
What a wonderful message you are sharing through your book. It sounds like it would be a great read for all ages! Since my children were little I have told them that everyone has a story and how important it is to be kind, because we don’t know what someone else may be going through. My children are now grown and out of the home and I help take care of others peoples children. I would love to be able to share Betty Confetti with the precious little ones I now have the privilege of caring for. Everyone truly needs kindness and Jesus. Thank you for writing this book and for what look to be incredible illustrations! Have an amazing day!
Growing up as an “Army Brat” and changing schools every 2-3 years, I was always the “new girl”. By the time I made friends and was somewhat accepted it was time to move again! Fast forward to age 69, I strive to always include people and engage with them. After all these years you never forget what it feels like to be left out!
Your book sounds awesome, would love to share it with my grands. ❤️
A new job as a first time principal; several teachers and the counselor took me right in to show the ropes of school operations. Which I watched and participated in my first year before making any changes. They were awesome
Kindness is so needed in this world. I am so thankful for the kindness of my Bible study ladies who supported me through health issues, and also threw a surprise birthday get together for me. God bless them.
This is awesome! Would love to share this with others!
My new sweet neighbor friend has shown kindness in her prayers for my family and always being there for me. I know what it’s like to be on the outside of a group. I was a preachers kid so we moved more often than most and it was always hard to fit in. I’d love to read this to my grandson and help him develop a kindness trait that lasts his whole life.
Maghon, I’m always thankful for those who are obedient and use their talents to further the Good News of the Gospel and minister through word, music, art and so many other creative ways! The kindness I remember most from elementary school was one that our teacher allowed her students to be a part of. I lived in a small “mill” town and often, money was tight. One of our fellow students had a bad case of lice and even though her mother treated her hair, it persisted. So her mother shaved her head, and she was terribly embarrassed to come to school. Our kind teacher allowed us to donate whatever we could to buy this student a wig, and she delivered it to the student who wore it proudly and felt so loved by the kindness. No one in class mentioned that we knew it was a wig. Love and kindness won, thanks to a kind role model. Mrs. Sevic is one teacher that I won’t forget and that lesson remains in my heart at 65 years old. I would love to have your book to share with our children’s church class.
I remember being bullied in school and even beat up because I looked different and didn’t fit the mold of the rest of the kids. Growing up was hard as I was a very sensitive introvert. I had a hard to making and keeping friends. Now that I am older, I have my best friend Jesus who walks with me and talks with me. I have very few close friends, yet they are very special to me. God has been there my entire life even when I didn’t know it. I still struggle today with rejection and abandonment, yet I know God will use that for good, as I can encourage others to be kind and gentle and loving.
I was the newbie in a Bible study group and Lynn went out of her way to welcome & include me. That was over 5 yrs ago and we are each other’s friends & prayer warriors to this day. Would love to win this for my lil’ granddaughter.
I was not the mean girl, but I just didn’t bother and it took me to age 40 with a broken marriage to understand about kind caring relationships! My husband was the one daily bullied, picked last and laughed at in school but he never shared that with anyone until just a few years ago at age 62. I wonder if he would read this
Thank you for writing with your heart a book that I pray will teach children how to be kind.
A good friend of mine had cancer. We spent a lot of time sitting on a curb. I would just let her talk and get everything she needed to share out. Two years ago I lost her. I know she is with God but I miss her. Be happy my friend and I will see you again.
Maghon, this post today just made me smile and remember soooo many great memories from school. Yes, the bad and ugly too, but luckily only for second. I went to a small elementary school with the same kids into Jr High. Eight of us are still friends today and have slumber parties! We sometimes look back at our cute little year books and just laugh. We wish we still had the “cool 70” attire…hahaha.
Maghon my granddaughter Lodis would love this book! She has such a heart for God and people. She would share this book with her sister Klover Joy..who by the way is her best friend, and her older sister Allysia who is a “way too grouchy” teenager and of course her Mom who would hug and remind how sweet she is!! She’d probably put little messages in her Dad’s lunchbox and try and share with her brothers, but ??? they too are little moody…..hahaha
Thank you for such a beautiful message. I think I have a few phone calls to make today \0/
Maghon,
This is a much needed book for many young people. Growing up I didn’t have many friends as I was shy. Fast forward to 58 & I have a number of friends & a few close ones. Usually I am the one who will write, call or text people to see how they are doing. Letting them know that I care about them & our friendship. Spreading kindness is something I try to do everywhere I go.
Blessings 🙂
A co-worker spent hours of her already busy days, making a beautiful retirement gift for me!