One Million Arrows

A few weeks ago, I gave a sneak peek at a book I was privileged to read for review. "One Million Arrows: Raising your Children to Change the World" by Julie Ferwerda was such an inspiring read! It really made me think about so many different aspects of my Christian life - how I raise my children, how I reach out to the world, how I use the financial blessings God has provided for me, and more!

When I first heard of it, I thought it would be "just" another "how and why to raise your Children to be good Christians" book, but it far surpassed that! Julie not only talks about the importance of raising our children in the "nurture and admonition" of the Lord, but also the deeper part of that - the why behind our parenting goals. Is it just to have happy, well-adjusted kids who go to church, say they love Jesus, and live their lives like any other average American?

Or, is there a bigger purpose, more meaning to life than just those goals? And if we grasp the bigger view of the life our children could be living for Christ, how does that change our parenting techniques and decisions? One Million Arrows addressed all of these questions, and also included several interviews from parents who have successfully accomplished the "bigger goal" of raising "Arrows for God".

Julie also touched on how we, as families and individuals can reach out to the lost and hurting world we inhabit, sharing the love of Christ, in tangible, spiritual, and financial ways. She also made the point that our "arrows" don't have to be limited to our biological children. We can impact many, many children through our lives if we just reach out - to neighbors, relatives, orphans, and even across oceans to children around the world!

Here are a few of my favorite quotes from the book:

"An arrow of God doesn't have to be in full-time ministry, but is always focused unwaveringly on bringing the love of Jesus Christ into every aspect of the journey throughout his or her life.... instead of raising channel changers, I most definitely want to raise world changers." (p. 21)

In regards to the blessing of living in the prosperous nation of America (where, even in times of "economic hardship", we are still abundantly more prosperous than much of the world's population), she said:

"God did not give me this financial blessing to keep for myself. He gave it to me because He trusts me to use it for furthering His Kingdom. He trusts that I will take my small lunch and let Him use it to feed multitudes of hungry hearts and stomachs....

This earth is not our home. It's more like a stay in a temporary hotel room. Why would we invest a ton of money into something that's not really ours to keep? But when we invest in the mission - when we invest in shaping and sending arrows - then we begin to lavishly decorating our future lasting home...

But many of us are donning our cozy PJs and slippers, relaxing in our comfy recliners in front of our cable TV, snacking on chips, sipping a nice cold glass of clean water, and waiting for God to do something." (pp. 100-101)

and a paragraph that I believe sums up the book so perfectly (emphasis mine):

"What are the dreams you have for your children that you must not fall asleep on? Do you want the world to change your children, or are you willing to do what it takes for your children to change the world? You can't have it both ways....

Andrew Murray inspires me with this idea: "I delight to give what is my most precious possession upon this earth to be His. It is not only for God's sake, but for my child's sake that I give him to the Lord. The more I love my child, the more I must give him away to God. Nowhere can [my child] by safe or happy except with Him. And this is so wonderful - the child I give to God becomes doubly my own. The child I give to God, He holds for me and then gives him back again. Giving my child has become the link of a most blessed friendship and relationship between God and me."

Yes, you love your children. And I love my children. But God loves them so much more. We want the very best for them, but only God can give the very best for them." (p 148)

I would encourage you to check out the One Million Arrows website to get more ideas of how we can raise our children to impact the world, and join in on the mission of raising One Million Arrows! Also, a portion of proceeds from every purchase of the book goes to international orphan ministry. Start impacting lives today!