original poem by Avon Compton
and additional verse by Tammy Compton Hauge
Illustrations by Tim Compton when he was 5
Cover and flannelboard figures by Terry Ann Compton Harward when she was 14
Copyright 1965, 2011
May be reproduced for family, school and church use. Commercial use only with permission of the author
Jesus loves all children
No matter who they are.
The little dark skinned
native
And baby dressed
in fur.
He loves the
blue-eyed
children
With hair
of golden hue.
And all the
tan-skinned
Latins
African
babies, too.
He loves the ones
in wheelchairs,
And those with freckled skin.
He loves the perfect,
and the scarred,
He loves
what is within.
He asked us to be
gentle,
And kind
as we can be,
To all these
different
children
Whenever them,
we see.
While I was growing up, I distinctly remember observing that my parents loved people from different cultures. I remember my mom making it a point to teach me respect for all races.
This poem was written by my mom in 1965 when Civil Rights movement was gaining momentum and language was in flux. My mom used the term "Negro," in her original poem, which was considered appropriate and polite at that time, as my mom intended, but which is now thought of as somewhat demeaning and Colonialistic. I re-wrote some of the poem to update that type of language, and to include the mention of other children loved by Jesus, who might be thought of as "different," such as those in wheelchairs.
Personally, I don't really have an insight into who Jesus loves, but I like to think that Jesus is as my mom describes him in her poem.
I hope I have been sensitive and respectful in reproducing this poem and welcome any comments or suggestions.
My mom was a wonderful example to me during her active life. She enthusiastically embraced everyone from everywhere, and especially those who were "different."
HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY MOM!!!
Love Tammy