“Sharing God’s Love,” Friend, May 2023, 32–33.
Sharing God’s Love
Thais didn’t know what to say or do, but she wanted to help.
This story happened in Bolivia.
It was a hot morning. Thais and her friend Claudia talked and laughed as they walked across the soccer field. They had just finished gym class, and now they were going to math.
The younger kids were having break time. Thais watched them play.
Then she saw a little girl sitting alone on the steps. When they got closer, Thais saw that she was crying.
Thais waved for Claudia to come over to the little girl.
Claudia frowned and shook her head no. “We’ll be late.”
Before Thais could say anything, Claudia walked away.
Thais looked at the little girl. She was about five years old. Her face was hidden between her knees, and she covered her head with her hands.
Thais sat next to her. The girl moved away a little.
“Are you OK?” Thais asked softly.
The girl didn’t answer. Thais wasn’t sure what to say or do.
“Can I help you?” she asked next.
The girl shrugged.
“My name is Thais. What’s your name?”
Finally the girl looked up at Thais. “Nicol.”
“Why are you crying, Nicol?”
“Everyone teases me for being chubby,” she said between sobs.
Thais wiped Nicol’s face. “I’m sorry they said that. It doesn’t matter what people think.”
“They say I’m not pretty.”
“Well, I think they’re wrong!” Thais said with a smile. “You are very pretty and also very special. Did you know that?”
Thais thought of one of her favorite songs from Primary. She knew what to say now.
“You are a child of God,” Thais said, taking the girl’s hands.
Thais talked a little with Nicol. She explained how important Nicol was to Heavenly Father, her family, and many others who loved her so much. Bit by bit, Nicol began to smile.
After a few minutes, Nicol stood up and hugged Thais tightly. “Thanks!” she said.
Thais watched her new friend run away with a big smile. It felt good to help Nicol feel better and know how much God loved her.
Then Thais jumped to her feet too. I better run like Nicol or I’ll be late for math! she thought, smiling as she hurried to class.
Illustrations by Flavio Remontti