Free The Little Sparrows by Al Lacy Page B

Luke’s account, Jesus said that not one of them is forgotten before God. Sometimes in our lives, things happen that break our hearts. And sometimes we feel so lonely in our troubles that we think God has forsaken us and even forgotten us. But Jesus is trying to get us to see that this will never happen. Notice in both accounts, he tells us not to be afraid because we are of more value than many sparrows.
    “Do you see what Jesus is saying, children? God provides nests for little sparrows to live in, food for them to eat, and feathers to clothe them. A sparrow’s home is his nest. A human’s home is his house. The Lord Jesus, who loves
you
, Mary, Johnny, and Lizzie, is telling you that since God loves little sparrows and always remembers them, He will take care of you. He will provide you a home, food, and clothing because each of you is of more value than many sparrows.”
    Lizzie picked up on what Frances was telling them. Her eyes brightened as she exclaimed, “Mary! Johnny! We’re God’s little sparrows!”
    In spite of the sorrow in their hearts, this brought a laugh to the others.
    The elderly woman left her chair, bent down, wrapped her arms around all three, and hugged them tight. With tears in her eyes, she said, “I love these little sparrows!”

    On Sunday afternoon, April 19, a group of older children—seven boys and one girl—were playing roughhouse games on the sidewalk in the 1200 block on Canal Street in south Manhattan. The entire block, on both sides, was made up of tenement houses.
    While playing, some of the children noticed a man in his early thirties coming along the sidewalk, but paid him little attention until he drew up and said, “Could I interrupt for a moment?”
    One of the boys, who looked to be about thirteen, said, “What can we do for you, mister?”
    “Do any of you happen to know which tenement Mr. Curtis Holden lives in?”
    All seven boys looked at the girl, who at the moment was measuring the man with her eyes. One of them said, “Mr. Holden lives in this very tenement you are standing in front of, sir.” Then pointing to the girl, he added, “This is Josie, Mr. Holden’s daughter.”
    Josie smiled at the man. “What is your name, sir?”
    “I’m Matthew Clark, Josie. Perhaps your father has mentioned my name.”
    Josie’s smile broadened. “Yes. Papa has talked a lot about his good friend, Matt Clark. I know you grew up together in Little Rock, Arkansas, and were best friends as boys.”
    “You’re right about that, Josie. It’s been too many years since Curtis and I have seen each other. I’m in New York on business. Do you know the name Will Barton?”
    “No, sir.”
    “Well, he’s a mutual friend of your papa’s and mine in Little Rock. He’s had contact with your papa sometime in the not-too-distant past, and told me that he lived on Canal Street here inManhattan. I sure want to see him before I head back to Arkansas. Is he home?”
    “He sure is. I’ll take you up to the apartment.”
    “I appreciate that.”
    Josie turned to the boys. “I’ll be right back.”
    With that, she led Matt Clark into the tenement and up to the third floor to apartment number 28. She opened the door and Matt followed her inside.
    “Papa!” Josie called. “There’s an old friend of yours here to see you!”
    Seconds later, Curtis Holden appeared from the rear of the flat, and a smile broke over his face when he saw his old friend. “Matt!”
    “Hello, old pal!”
    The two men embraced, pounding each other on the back, then Curtis started asking questions about what had brought Matt to New York.
    Before Matt could begin his explanation, Josie said, “Papa, excuse me, please.”
    “Yes, honey?”
    “I’ll go back down and play with the boys so you and Mr. Clark can talk, okay?”
    “Sure. Have fun.”
    She giggled. “Whipping boys in our games is always fun, Papa.” With that, she was gone.
    Matt laughed. “That’s some kind of girl you’ve got there,