Fiction or Non-Fiction?

Chain & CrossMary Ellen read a book a few weeks ago called House for Hermit Crab.  I printed out comprehension questions from a website.  One questions was, “Is the book fiction or non-fiction?”

I know that she had seen that kind of question before.  Still, she stopped and thought about it.  Then she asked, “What does that mean again?”  I explained the difference and used some examples that I believed would hit home for her.  Basically, I said that non-fiction told a truth.  Fiction was partly made up.  “Oh,” she stated,  “non- fiction?”

You see House for Hermit Crab combines non-fiction details in a fictional story.  The pictures are captivating.  The story draws you into the Hermit Crab’s world.  However, no matter the extra details that seem so real when reading, it is simply a beautiful means to teach about sea life and a hermit crab.  It is fiction.

In today’s world, I think defining truth and fiction is hard for all of us at times. We don’t know all the details.  Our experiences are different.  The truth does not support the answer we would prefer….The list goes on and on.  Often, what makes it hard changes, which in turns really keeps us confused.

Today I would like to offer some encouragement.  We don’t have to know all the answers.  In fact, we won’t know all the answers.  However, you can know truth.

God is truth.

God is so many things.  He is all knowing.  He is ever present.  He is all powerful.  He is mercy, joy, compassion, peace, grace, love, and hope…  He is everything Good!

He created you!  What more can be said?  You are never alone.  You are valued.  You are seen.  You are known. You are the most important person to God.  Also, there is someone that God created that you are their light.  You are part of their being.  They would not be the same without you.

With all of that in mind, we need truth. The Bible says:

Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”  John 14:6

and

Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Colossians 3:12

God gave and gives us His best and His all every moment.  He withholds nothing.  Aspiring to live by His example, we should try to give our best to each other in every moment.  We have all made mistakes.  We will all fall short.  Yet by looking to God’s truth, we can make this world a better place one moment at a time for those we touch.

Wishing you joy, peace, love and hope,

Anne Marie