I Choose to Stand Up
Mia, a courageous 4-year-old, learns to stand up for her friends and herself, inspired by a story her Grandma Rose tells her about bravery.
Mia sat quietly in Grandma Rose’s cozy kitchen, nibbling on a freshly baked cookie. The warm, sweet smell filled the room, but Mia seemed distracted. Grandma Rose noticed that something was bothering her. - What’s on your mind, dear? Grandma Rose asked gently, pouring a cup of tea. Mia looked down sadly.
- Something happened at school today, Mia said. - During recess, some kids were playing a game, but they wouldn’t let my friend join in. I wanted to ask them to let her play, but… I was too scared. Grandma Rose nodded. - That must have been hard for you, Mia. It’s not easy to speak up when you feel scared.
Mia sighed. - I wish I could be brave like the heroes in my books. Grandma Rose smiled kindly. - Let me tell you a story from the Bible about a brave young girl. Mia’s eyes sparkled with curiosity as she settled in to listen. - Long ago, Grandma Rose began, there was a kind and beautiful girl named Esther who lived in a grand palace.
- Esther was chosen to be the queen. A wicked man named Haman wanted to hurt her people, the Jews. Esther’s cousin Mordecai asked her to speak to the king and save their people, but Esther was scared. Speaking to the king without an invitation could be very dangerous. - What did Esther do, Grandma? Mia asked eagerly.
- Esther prayed to God for courage and decided to take the risk, Grandma Rose continued. - The king was pleased to see her and listened to her plea. Because of Esther’s bravery, the king saved her people. - Wow, Grandma! Esther was so brave! Grandma Rose nodded. - Yes, she was. God used her to make His big plan happen.
- Many years later, Jesus was born among her people to save us and show God’s love. - That’s amazing! Mia said. She whispered, - I want to be like Queen Esther. Later that day, Mia saw her friend Sam being pushed around by some older kids on the playground. Mia felt scared but remembered Esther’s courage.
Taking a deep breath, Mia walked up to the bullies. - Please stop bothering Sam, Mia said firmly. The bullies were surprised and walked away. Sam looked at Mia with a big smile. - Thank you, Mia! You were really brave! Mia felt a warm glow of happiness. She stood up for what was right, just like Esther.
That evening, Mia ran to Grandma Rose’s house, beaming with joy. - Grandma, I was brave today, just like Esther! She told her all about how she stood up to the bullies. Grandma Rose hugged Mia tightly. - I’m so proud of you, Mia. Mia felt proud and happy. From that day on, whenever she was scared to speak up, she would remember Esther’s wise choice.
The next day, Mia faced another challenge. During art class, a classmate named Tom accidentally spilled paint on Mia’s drawing. - Oh no! My drawing is ruined! Mia exclaimed, feeling tears well up. Tom looked worried. - I’m really sorry, Mia. I didn’t mean to. Mia took a deep breath and remembered to be brave and kind.
- It’s okay, Tom. Accidents happen, Mia said, trying to stay calm. - We can make a new drawing together. Tom smiled with relief. - Thank you, Mia. You’re very kind. They started working on a new drawing together, and it turned out even better than the first one. Mia felt proud of how she handled the situation.
A few days later, Mia faced another test of courage. During show-and-tell, Mia was nervous about sharing her favorite toy. - What if they laugh at me? Mia thought. But she remembered Esther’s bravery and took a deep breath. - This is my favorite teddy bear, Mr. Cuddles, Mia said, holding up her toy. The class listened attentively.
After Mia finished, her classmates clapped and cheered. - That’s a wonderful teddy bear, Mia! said her teacher. Mia felt a rush of happiness. - Thank you, everyone, Mia said, smiling. She realized that being brave and sharing her feelings made her feel proud and happy. Mia knew she could be brave again in the future.
One day, Mia’s teacher asked the class to work in groups. Mia was paired with a new student named Lily. Lily was shy and didn’t talk much. - Hi, Lily! Let’s work together, Mia said cheerfully. Lily smiled shyly. - Okay, Mia. Thanks for being my partner. They started working on their project together.
Mia felt good about helping Lily feel welcome. She knew that sometimes being brave meant being kind and reaching out to others. At the end of the day, Mia told Grandma Rose about her new friend. - I’m so proud of you, Mia, said Grandma Rose. - You showed courage and kindness. Mia smiled, feeling happy and proud of herself.
Mia sat quietly in Grandma Rose’s cozy kitchen, nibbling on a freshly baked cookie. The warm, sweet smell filled the room, but Mia seemed distracted. Grandma Rose noticed that something was bothering her. - What’s on your mind, dear? Grandma Rose asked gently, pouring a cup of tea. Mia looked down sadly.
- Something happened at school today, Mia said. - During recess, some kids were playing a game, but they wouldn’t let my friend join in. I wanted to ask them to let her play, but… I was too scared. Grandma Rose nodded. - That must have been hard for you, Mia. It’s not easy to speak up when you feel scared.
Mia sighed. - I wish I could be brave like the heroes in my books. Grandma Rose smiled kindly. - Let me tell you a story from the Bible about a brave young girl. Mia’s eyes sparkled with curiosity as she settled in to listen. - Long ago, Grandma Rose began, there was a kind and beautiful girl named Esther who lived in a grand palace.
- Esther was chosen to be the queen. A wicked man named Haman wanted to hurt her people, the Jews. Esther’s cousin Mordecai asked her to speak to the king and save their people, but Esther was scared. Speaking to the king without an invitation could be very dangerous. - What did Esther do, Grandma? Mia asked eagerly.
- Esther prayed to God for courage and decided to take the risk, Grandma Rose continued. - The king was pleased to see her and listened to her plea. Because of Esther’s bravery, the king saved her people. - Wow, Grandma! Esther was so brave! Grandma Rose nodded. - Yes, she was. God used her to make His big plan happen.
- Many years later, Jesus was born among her people to save us and show God’s love. - That’s amazing! Mia said. She whispered, - I want to be like Queen Esther. Later that day, Mia saw her friend Sam being pushed around by some older kids on the playground. Mia felt scared but remembered Esther’s courage.
Taking a deep breath, Mia walked up to the bullies. - Please stop bothering Sam, Mia said firmly. The bullies were surprised and walked away. Sam looked at Mia with a big smile. - Thank you, Mia! You were really brave! Mia felt a warm glow of happiness. She stood up for what was right, just like Esther.
That evening, Mia ran to Grandma Rose’s house, beaming with joy. - Grandma, I was brave today, just like Esther! She told her all about how she stood up to the bullies. Grandma Rose hugged Mia tightly. - I’m so proud of you, Mia. Mia felt proud and happy. From that day on, whenever she was scared to speak up, she would remember Esther’s wise choice.
The next day, Mia faced another challenge. During art class, a classmate named Tom accidentally spilled paint on Mia’s drawing. - Oh no! My drawing is ruined! Mia exclaimed, feeling tears well up. Tom looked worried. - I’m really sorry, Mia. I didn’t mean to. Mia took a deep breath and remembered to be brave and kind.
- It’s okay, Tom. Accidents happen, Mia said, trying to stay calm. - We can make a new drawing together. Tom smiled with relief. - Thank you, Mia. You’re very kind. They started working on a new drawing together, and it turned out even better than the first one. Mia felt proud of how she handled the situation.
A few days later, Mia faced another test of courage. During show-and-tell, Mia was nervous about sharing her favorite toy. - What if they laugh at me? Mia thought. But she remembered Esther’s bravery and took a deep breath. - This is my favorite teddy bear, Mr. Cuddles, Mia said, holding up her toy. The class listened attentively.
After Mia finished, her classmates clapped and cheered. - That’s a wonderful teddy bear, Mia! said her teacher. Mia felt a rush of happiness. - Thank you, everyone, Mia said, smiling. She realized that being brave and sharing her feelings made her feel proud and happy. Mia knew she could be brave again in the future.
One day, Mia’s teacher asked the class to work in groups. Mia was paired with a new student named Lily. Lily was shy and didn’t talk much. - Hi, Lily! Let’s work together, Mia said cheerfully. Lily smiled shyly. - Okay, Mia. Thanks for being my partner. They started working on their project together.
Mia felt good about helping Lily feel welcome. She knew that sometimes being brave meant being kind and reaching out to others. At the end of the day, Mia told Grandma Rose about her new friend. - I’m so proud of you, Mia, said Grandma Rose. - You showed courage and kindness. Mia smiled, feeling happy and proud of herself.
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