KATIE was just eight years old, Most of our readers who are eight years old like to play games and run about in the sunshine. But our little Katie, although she was strong and healthy, didn't have much time to play games. Her father and mother were very poor, and Katie had to spend a lot of time digging and weeding in their garden, and gathering firewood to cook the meals, She had two little sisters, and she was a good little mother to them.
One day Katie's mother asked her to take her two little sisters and gather some more firewood. Katie put on a big apron, and a jacket, and started off, Wintry days had just started and although there was no snow on the ground, the air was cold, and they had to keep busy to stay warm. Here and there they wandered, gathering sticks as big as their young arms could carry, until Katie had her apron full. When she turned around to start for home, she found to her fright that she did not know which way to turn, and the sun had just gone down.
Supper time came, and Father and Mother began to worry, Quickly they started out and ran hither and thither asking the neighbors if they had seen the three children. Soon the neighbors were searching here and there with their lanterns, but it was not until morning. that they were found. The two little ones were cosy and sleeping soundly under a cover of branches and leaves, with Katie's apron and jacket tucked carefully around then,. Poor little Katie was lying by them, cold and stiff, Yes, the dear little brave sister had sheltered and protected them with her own clothes, and their lives were spared, but hers was given for them.
The poor lonely father and mother wept and mourned for their little one, and the neighbors still tell the story of Brave Katie who gave her life for her sisters.
But I have a better story to tell you. It is the wonderful story of the Lord Jesus Christ who came all the way dlown from heaven to give up His life in order that you and I might know our sins forgiven, and be saved for heaven. I never tire of thinking of the love of Jesus for me, and I want to ask you if you have learned to know Him as the One who died for you?
Messages of the Love of God 11/2/1952