On Being

Encouraging Children to Ask the Questions (October 25, 2005)
Why? That is a common question heard from children all over the world. As adults we not only stop asking why, but we try to stop children from asking those common questions. Diane Komp states, "It is a gift to hear that question." Children are naturally curious; they want to learn about everything they come in contact with. As babies, they put objects and toys into their mouth, to learn and experience that toy or object. As children get older they ask questions. Children are born with "natural inquiring minds," Robert Coles quoted. Minds that are open and wanting to be filled with answers. If we as adults stop answering those questions, or the nature of the question makes us uncomfortable and we shy away from answering, we are hurting the natural-born relationship with God.

As a mother I understand the difficulties of answering some of those questions, but that is my job and I take great pride in what I do. When my son was three years old, he started to become aware of his surroundings, he started asking many questions; one Sunday during the middle of Mass, he seemed to be thinking about something. You could tell in his eyes there was something on his mind. My husband is an African man and I am white American, my children have never questioned anything, but that morning was different — very loudly he asked why did God make Daddy brown and not you. It seemed as though it was the perfect question in the perfect place. Religion is a mystery, not only for adults but children as well. Mystery makes curiosity, and that is why it is so natural for children to want to know more about religion. Dianne Komp said, "If you want to learn more about the mystery of life, get closer to a kid." Children seem to be born with this awesome and natural relationship with God. It is up to adults to continue that relationship.

I found the topic of how children deal with death to be very interesting. I agree completely with the thought of Diane Komp who says that children are very insightful when dealing with death. They know that is a subject that upsets adults, and most of the time children are careful not to upset or want to hurt adults. I too have felt that with my own children — a change of subject or trying to make us smile — they know, children are very aware. Something I found to be true but very sad was the fact that when a child dies they do not have the feeling of abandonment. They are almost never alone, and with children, there is a natural feeling to protect and nurture. Komp remarked that with the elderly people, there could be a great feeling of abandonment, some die alone. I believe adults have more to learn on some aspects of religion then children, we need to slow down and watch and listen to what they are saying. Children have a calmness to them, a peaceful like acceptance, religiously speaking.

Janee UDalla
Elk River, MN (Listens via Web Audio)

Making Sense of It All at Every Age (March 7, 2005)
I was so touched with this program. I just loved it. I just happened to discover this on a Sunday morning and fell in love with the way you so sensitively, spiritually, and intelligently covered this subject matter. A coincidence was that I had just recently enrolled my son in The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd program at my church. I was so excited to find a program like this that I enrolled myself to be trained as a Catechist in the Good Shepherd program.

Your program served to further my excitement about this beautiful program. I am also so happy to know that there are other people in the world, such as Krista, who are thinking about and contemplating these profound issues with their hearts, minds, and souls. Thank you for providing this program. Sunday morning could not be a more perfect time!

Laura Montgomery
Newington, CT (WPKT, 90.5 FM)

Making Sense of It All at Every Age (December 22, 2004)
My radio alarm goes off at 7 am each morning and last Sunday it went off as usual to Speaking of Faith, which was particularly poignant because I had just received word that my daughter-in-law's mother was dying. I cried for the entire hour that I listened to your show because it was so true everything that the children said about God and I remembered myself as a child, asking God, where was I before I came here? What am I doing here? Where am I going from here? Is this life a dream? Will I awake from this dream and be an ant or an elephant? There were moments when I almost figured out the mystery, but just as quickly "it" was lost.

Now that I am an old lady, I am more convinced than ever that those mediations of my very early childhood were "right on," and that the "veil" that Diane Komp descries is so correct. My aunt was 99 when she died. We had a talk before she died that went like this:

Aunt Eurith said, "I think this is it," and I said, "Well, you've been saying that for years now." And she said, "Yes, but this time I mean it." I said, "Well I think you 're right this time, but you know, I believe no one ever really dies, we just change forms. Do you believe that?" Aunt Eurith said "Yes, but change is hard."

Susan Rose
Baltimore, MD (WYPR, 88.1 FM)

Facing the Impossible (December 19, 2004)
When I tuned in to Speaking of Faith today, I knew immediately that it was Dr. Komp speaking. Her book A Child Shall Lead Them was a great comfort to my wife and I after the death of our son Noah. Her observations of faith and strength while caring for other's little ones was a precious confirmation that my son?s deep and abiding faith in God, despite the cancer that took him away from us, was a precious gift that God gives our children to face the impossible. You can read more about Noah at http://websites.bnsi.net/~gcollins/noah.html.

Gary and Kathy Collins
Charlottesville, VA (WVTF, 88.5 FM)

In This Season: A Note from Canada (December 22, 2004)
I have two young children. This year has been a good, but difficult year. My wife picked up a book by Ravi Zacharias called Recapture the Wonder. Ironically this is what this time of year is all about—recapturing what is important and valuable versus what you can or cannot buy. That said, I also was listening to your program on God and Children, which really again was the essence of recapturing the wonder of God, faith and relationships. Thanks. I have a successful practice as a career coach helping others find their purpose and calling through their careers. You have been used to encourage me. Thanks for having the courage to follow your calling.

Alan Kearns
Ottawa, ON (Listens via Web Audio)

No Better Teachers (December 31, 2004)
I was moved to tears while listening to "Children and God." In the midst of preparing my Christmas Eve message I completely changed my address and spoke about children and their relational connection with God. On Christmas Eve, after watching our touching children's pageant I picked up the "baby Jesus" and cradled him in my arms as I spoke about the profound wisdom of children as deep theologians. The children, changed out of their costumes and sitting in the front row, seemed to really enjoy my words. I am also an art therapist working with children and know their wisdom. Your program illuminated it once again for me. Many thanks and blessings.

Rev. Mary Zachary-Lang
Kennebunk, ME (WMEA, 90.1 FM)

No Better Teachers (December 22, 2004)
This program was one of the most beautiful and moving things I have ever heard on the radio. Thank you. What a profound reminder that we need to approach God with faith and reverence "like that of a child." As a father of six I have learned a great deal about God through my children. Perhaps there is no better teacher.

Steve Thomas
Milwaukee, WI (WUWM, 89.7 FM)

Struck a Chord (December 17, 2004)
Thank you so much for a wonderful programme. I have two children aged 2 and 4 and I just wept as I listened to your wonderful interviews and insights. I studied Montessori years ago, and I am currently going through the catechesis for my confirmation at our Catholic church. This was all so relevant and so struck a chord. My son is attending Sunday School at our Catholic church and I shall now talk to him about God with new insights. Thank you so much.

Jean Lanham
San Diego, CA (KPBS, 89.5 FM)

Innate Purity of a Child (December 19, 2004)
Thank you for your topic today. I have a three-year-old daughter who is sweet and good. I struggle with the way to raise her with religion because so often children become poisoned with the man-made prejudices they incorporate into faith—the idea that we are better because we are children of God and our neighbor's children are not, for example. And, that some of us are good, and others are bad. My daughter is good, and it is her innate pureness that she came with that helps me be a better person. Isn't that what the essence of God is?

Lee Hansen
Draper, UT (KUER, 90.1 FM)

Children and Faith (December 19, 2004)
My seven year old granddaughter recently attended the funeral of her paternal grandmother. I asked her, "So, how was it?" This is her story: "Ninney is dead."

Grandma: What's that?
Little Girl: Her insides leave, so they put her in a box and say prayers.
Grandma: And then what?
Little Girl: Grandma, they dug a whole and put her in the ground.
Grandma: Just like that?
Little Girl: Grandma, it was in a cemetery, like a subdivision for dead people. She is next door to an old friend. "Poppy" (her paternal grandfather) said she knows everybody.
Grandma: OK. But where did her insides go?
Little Girl: Grandma, it's called a soul and it goes back to heaven.
Grandma: Why?
Little Girl: Grandma, don't you know anything? The soul is tired and old and needs fixing.
Grandma: Really? How?
Little Girl: Grandma, I don't know, I guess God and the angels fix it up, you know repair it like a car. Shines it up, replaces parts, makes it like new.
Grandma: That's it?
Little Girl: Well, after all that work it needs rest - then I think God sends it back down as a new baby. Anyway, let's have lunch.

Esther Liwazer
West Bloomfield, MI (WUOM, 91.7 FM)

Previous Experience (December 17, 2004)
I listened to your program and was led to tears as I sat and recalled the 13 years I worked with children in an atrium using the Montessori method of religious education, the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd. I am constantly reminded of how God uses his word to touch us, his children's response to help bring it to reality, and the unity created while trying to draw closer to God with the child.

Children have this gift to share with us. We learn and share God's love together through the Spirit. God has already touched the child, we only work to keep it nourished with the Word of God. Thank God for his gift of the HOLY WORD and CHILDREN! Thanks for great guest speakers with this concept.

Donna Macklin
Casper, WY (Listens via Web Audio)

I Walk in The Garden Alone (December 19, 2004)
To hear Diane's story about the child in the garden, BEFORE she mentioned the old hymn, I could hear it in my mind. I'm 74 now, and when I was a young mother teaching Sunday school, we were visited by a woman who was telling us how religion was co opted by non religious "additions." In talking about hymns, she voiced strong sentiments about "I Walk in the Garden Alone" (whose words I still know verbatim, in spite of the taint of this woman's long ago sentiments). She said it was nothing more than an old love song wrapped up in Jesus. Well, I feel there must be a reason I remembered all the words to the hymn anyway, and why I have tears in my eyes, at the vision of the boy who saw the man in the garden.

Leona Heitsch
Bourbon, MO (KWMU, 90.7 FM)

Not Easily Grasped (December 19, 2004)
That was the most beautiful thing I think I've ever heard. I am a psychiatric nurse, and have worked often with children. So, I love them but I am also not so easily grasped. Your program, so thoughtfully and deeply scripted and presented, was wonderful. Thank you for presenting it. The words of those children will remain with me for a long time. I especially loved the closing.

Langdon Bosarge
New York, NY (WNYC, 820 AM)

What Distinguishes Children Is Openness, Not Knowledge (December 19, 2004)
Your program describes a religious education program in which children are put in a room full of religious images and icons and encouraged to play with them. They also read scripture together. Yet somehow, the adults running the program have convinced themselves that they're "drawing information out of children, rather than putting it into them." That's rich!

We also hear repeatedly that children are more open to religious and spiritual ideas. This follows from the fact that children are better learners in general. Of course traditional religious ideas have appeal for children; that's why they've gotten themselves passed on for so many generations. But then that's true of all fairy tales, not just the ones it's socially accepted for adults to believe.

Eric Hamell
Philadelphia, PA (WHYY, 91.0 FM)

A Christmas Thank You (December 19, 2004)
I just wanted to say thank you for your show "Children and God." The more responsibilities I shoulder as an adult, the easier it is to forget the true meaning behind Christmas. I found the entire program compelling but was particularly touched by your interview with Diane Komp. When she read the transcript of her interview with the young terminally ill boy I found tears streaming down my face but not from sadness. The courage, wisdom, and understanding that the young boy possessed was overwhelming and I cried tears of joy. Your show, her work, and this little boy cracked the hardened shell around my heart and gave me the perspective needed to renew my faith in God, Christ, the angels, and the spirit of love, light, and kindness that Christmas is really about.

Thank you so much. I can't wait to be reunited with my wife and baby daughter in the coming week. You can be sure I will pay close attention to everything my little girl has to teach me.

Jeff Combs
Stockton, NJ (WHYY, 91.0 FM)

An Extended Sunday Drive (December 19, 2004)
Your program about children and faith was on when I went for a reflective Sunday drive after church. It was so moving that I just kept driving until the show was completed, not wanting to miss anything. While listing to Dr. Komp I was moved to tears and hung on her stories. What a wonderful show! Very moving and uplifting, especially during the holidays. As a psychologist, mother, and grandmother it moved me in many ways. Thank you.

Dr. Jeanne Kane
Tujunga, CA (KPCC, 89.3 FM)

Returning to My Childhood (December 19, 2004)
Hearing the children's thoughts on God and their cogent, candid manner of speaking was so touching and took me back to my own childhood when I was driven to bed often by asthma. I remember praying to God and feeling a calming relief that He had heard me and was there for me. It was a very private time and very comforting. Thank you for bringing it back.

Sylvia Lacefield
Lexington, KY (WEKU, 88.9 FM)

Children and Faith (January 2, 2004)
I spent the better part of the hour before the show praying and hoping to someday come to some peace about my religious faith. The question preoccupying me was "How can I find God again?" I went out into the kitchen, flipped on the radio and heard Robert Coles voice. If ever there was an answered prayer this was it. Reclaiming our childhood innocence — underneath the layers of experience — is what is needed. Thank you for a beautiful program.

Kathy Kelly
Morristown, NY (WSLU, 89.5 FM)

Faith of Children (December 20, 2003)
I was enchanted by the program. In my 60s, I am much in touch with my childhood , which has had a sustaining Christian force in my life. I am humbled by the wisdom of children, and I have none. Your program made me want to seek at a program in New York City, where I can learn to learn from them.

Barbara Hults
New York, NY (WNYC, 820 AM)

Excellent (December 22, 2003)
I am the pastor of First United Methodist Church of Ann Arbor, and I listen to your program on Sunday morning as I prepare for worship. This week's program on "Children and God" was one of your best. If you pursue the topic further, I would recommend Betty Cloyd of Nashville TN. She has written two books: "Children and Prayer" and one for grandparents and others who prayer with children.

Dr. John E. Harnish
Ann Arbor, MI (WUOM, 91.7 FM)

My Compliments (December 22, 2003)
I thought your program yesterday morning on how children reflect on death was profound. Thank you very much.

Paul Wolf
Wilmette, IL (WBEZ, 91.5 FM)

Father's Remembrance of a Child's Dream (December 20, 2003)
As I was listening to the program, I was reminded of my own child, now 16 years old. At the time she was about 3 years old, and every night for a period of around 4 to 5 months she would wake up and say that the lady with the white hair was standing by her bed. We would press her as to what the lady looked like. The only thing she would tell us was that the lady would tell her not to be afraid, and she would not tell us anything else. I remember my wife and I standing by her partially opened door trying to listen to the conversation she was having, but we were always unsuccessful. It always sounded like she was mumbling. A few years ago I asked my daughter if she remembered the lady with the white hair, and she had no recollection.

Gary Tiedens
Dumont, NJ (WNPR, 89.1 FM)

The Mystical Experience of the Child (February 24, 2003)
I was trained by Carol Dittberner (and two other gifted women) in the work of the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd. She is right: people remain in this work a long time. I have spent 11 years now, exploring faith with children and am now working on a master's degree in theology.

Ursula King, in her book, Christian Mysticism, says: "A mystic is a person who is deeply aware of the powerful presence of the divine Spirit: someone who seeks above all, the knowledge and love of God, and who experiences to an extraordinary degree the profoundly personal encounter with the energy of divine life." I believe we have much to learn from the mystical experiences of the child.

Patricia Franz
Phoenix, AZ (Listens via Web Audio

Forever Moved (January 16, 2003)
I listened to the "Children and God" portion of Speaking of Faith while walking around a small lake as light snow was falling to the ground. I had an epiphany. As a public elementary school teacher I am reminded how secular schools are draining the natural spirituality from children. This does not have to be—even in public education. I believe that any academic progress a child makes has to made through the spiritual core of the child. Maria Montessori is becoming someone I want to know more about and attempt to emulate her philosophy with children. Thank you for the program; it was beautiful.

Diedra W. Carlson
St. Paul, MN (KNOW, 91.1 FM)