For quite some time, we have wanted to add Ernest to our GraciePress family of characters. We think it’s best to start with some of his background.
The Young, Homeless Stray
Ernest started life on the streets in the downtown section of the city. His mother was a stray without a name but with a young kitten to raise. They spent most of their time with Homeless Jimbo until one day, Jimbo sold Ernest’s mother for a tin of beef stew. In her new home, Ernest’s mother missed her little boy and never stopped worrying about what might happen to him without her protection and guidance.
Cold and Hungry in the Wintery Chill
The last of the fall season seemed to warn that the coming winter would be the coldest anyone had remembered. Everything in the city looked covered in an icy blueness that was chilling just to see. Neither Hobo Harry or Ernest’s Momma liked the chilly wind that blew and whistled through the streets.
Ernest Surviving on the Kindness of Strangers
But just to show that he was not a mean and heartless hobo, Jimbo found a discarded child’s coat and used scissors with needle and thread to make it fit. Ernest look charming and brought quite a few smiles from the people who hurried past. A few even dropped coins into Jimbo’s hat where he and Ernest crouched.
As the Songbirds of The Living Library sing:
And because we feel obligated to include something from The Ancient Words and Pearl’s love for Jesus, we provide a Devotional Portion:
And the King will say to them, “Truthfully I tell you, since you have done something beneficial to one of the least and lowly of my family members, you have done it to me.” (Matthew 25: 40)
“Whoever wholeheartedly wishes to be great in your group must be your group’s servant. Whoever wholeheartedly desires to be your group’s star must be your group’s slave. You see, The Great Gardener’s Son did not come to join the family of mankind to be served delicious food and enjoyable treats. Instead, He came to give up his life as a ransom payment for many family members.” (Mark 10: 43-45)
Questions for thought
Of these three, who do you consider to be “The Least”? (1) Hobo Jimbo, (2) Ernest’s Momma, or (3) Ernest
Of these three, who do you consider to be naturally responsible for taking care of the others? (1) Hobo Jimbo, (2) Ernest’s Momma, or (3) Ernest
Of these three, who do you predict will be the one to voluntarily be responsible for taking care of the others? (1) Hobo Jimbo, (2) Ernest’s Momma, or (3) Ernest
More to come! Our story will be continued!!
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