Our Sweet Madeline: Kids showed lion-like courage in Bible dramas

Tina painting whiskers on my baby lion

My little actress. Since she was born, I have said my Madeline is a dramatic kid.

And she is.

But when it comes right down to it, she’s shy and doesn’t like anyone focusing too much attention on her.

Two weekends ago, Madeline and her little friends had their moment in the “spotlight.” They were featured in a series of six Bible dramas.

For Madeline, it was her very first play— a small role, but a role in a real, live play. She was cast as one of four not-so-ferocious lions that circled faithful Daniel after he was thrown into a pit.

Her part was in the final act and I wasn’t sure if she would go through with it. During practice she told me, “I want you to crawl with me, mommy!” (No way, kid!)

Lyndee and Madeline, both age 4

Yet, the show must go on.

Madeline and three of her little pals, Logan Bodary, 3, and sisters Haley Dufort, 7, and Lyndee Dufort, 4, obediently entered the scene and dropped to their lion-like positions and began circling Daniel (Raphael McKean). In keeping with the story, they waited until he was pulled from the pit safely. Then, they gingerly and rather reluctantly, attacked the pretend men that were dropped from the rafters, symbolizing the men that had thrown Daniel into the lions’ pit.

Sadly, I think all four of them forgot their one line, “Roar!”

Nevertheless, the chorus of “Awe! Cute!” from the crowd made my heart swell with pride for all four little lions. They happily milled around with their hot-glued ears, yarn tails and painted whiskers—certainly, the sweetest lions in all the land.

I was so proud. She conquered her fear and she did it!

I held back tears and ran to embrace her behind the curtain after her part.

Yvette directing the show behind the scenes.

“I did it, mommy!” she said. “ROAR!”

Right on, baby girl. ROAR!

On a personal note, I would like to sincerely thank the ambitious young lady, Yvette Hudson, who worked so hard to organize the event in her parent’s pole barn in Fairgrove. The barn was transformed from a garage-type atmosphere into something special—a theater, showcasing so many exceptional young people from our area!

It was so impressive and heart-warming! Faithful men and women of the Bible were highlighted as an example for all of us, including Moses and Aaron, King Solomon, David, Ruth and Naomi, Jephthah and his daughter, and Daniel.

Fantastic job to all of the young people that participated, including: Cassie Anderson, Michael Anderson, Logan Bodary, Kaitlyn Crumby, Colton Darbee, Haley and Lyndee Dufort, Madeline Ewald, Caleb Elizando, Garret and Raphael McKean, Brad Porath, Ashton and Hunter Schultz, Yasmine and Elizabeth Stec, Justin and Stevie Sweet.