Have you ever felt inadequate as you view what others post on FaceBook or other forms of social media?

Do they seem younger, thinner, more beautiful than you?

Maybe you follow the Bible closely and have developed a gentle and kind spirit, and you love to work hard. But you’re never allowed into the beautiful circle and maybe—some people even make fun of you.

Maybe they laugh at you—because you’re different.

Or they don’t even see you trying to fit into their groups. It’s as if you’re invisible.

What if… how you’re different, is just the thing that is needed in difficult times?

Welcome to the world of Fritz— the messy mane, short legged, pony— who is gentle, kind, sure-footed, and willing to work. Fritz was not allowed into the walled city where all the beautiful horses carried the adults and children. He wasn’t beautiful enough.

He noticed those big, beautiful horses frightened the children, but the adults didn’t care. They only thought of beauty.

Fritz loved the children and wanted to give them rides, but to all in the city, he was invisible.

He tried to prance in front of the adults and stand taller. They just laughed at him.

And then—disaster strikes. And guess what is needed… a short legged, gentle, kind, sure-footed, hard working pony.

I think adults would love reading Fritz and the Beautiful Horses to young children. The book is written and illustrated by Jan Brett. I love her illustrations, especially of Fritz, and there are many lessons that can be expanded from the book as children ask questions. It is a good book for dealing with relationships with others and can be applied to adults and children.

There is a quote that my son loves that might fit in well here. It goes like this, “You laugh at me because I’m different, I laugh at you because you’re all the same.” – Jonathan Davis

This book was in a stack my daughter let me borrow that she has read with her children. It comes highly recommended.

And here is a great Bible verse to incorporate when teaching life lessons from the book:

—”Therefore let us not pass judgment on one another any longer, but rather decide never to put a stumbling block or hindrance in the way of a brother.” Romans 14:13 ESV

Have a great week!