A must-read, for we're all special!

This delightful story carries with it a powerful message for people of all ages. The lesson: love yourself not because of what other people say about you, but because there is One who knows that YOU ARE SPECIAL.

Max Lucado captures your heart with his description of the Wemmicks - a population of wooden people who go around all day long sticking yellow stars (compliments) or gray dots (not-so-uplifting comments) on each other. Some of the Wemmicks have lots of stars, but there are many who have lots of gray dots. Sometimes the poor Wemmick has so many dots that other people stick dots on him for no other reason. Have you ever known someone like this? Have you been guilty of sticking gray dots on people like that?

These are all good questions to ask ourselves, or to discuss with our children. We've all experienced how mean children can be to one another, and we've all known a "Wemmick" with too many gray dots. I'm sure we've all received dots in our lives as well, and know the pain that words can cause.

I don't want to give away the ending of the book, or reveal how one of the dotted Wemmicks discovers how to overcome the dots, but I will say that the solution is very true, and very powerful.

This is a book that we can all apply to our lives, even if the story and the gorgeous pictures seem more suited to an audience of children. If you have kids, buy this book and read it to them. If you don't have kids, find some kids to read this book to... and if you don't know any kids, well, you were one once. And I'm sure that you will appreciate this story, and the lesson held within it.

The sooner a child learns this lesson, the less pain he will suffer when other kids try to "stick gray dots" on him by calling him names or making fun of him. A person who achieves great things and receives lots of praise will learn sooner that life isn't about pleasing other people. An adult who has suffered the pang of hurtful comments throughout her life can begin to heal when she realizes that those "gray dots only stick if you let them."

You are special.
"I am fearfully and wonderfully made." Psalm 139...