Kernel Mustardseed and Other Stories of Faith

By Annie M. Cotton

Kernel Mustardseed is derived from the scripture in which the Lord is teaching us we only need just a little faith, and obstacles will be moved from our lives. We as adults face daily challenges that seem unbearable or allow situations to discourage us, and we see no way out. We get caught up in our own struggles that we forget children are met face-to-face with obstacles (mountains) of their own. They do not always seek the help or counsel of an adult. Many children suffer silently, some act out, others make poor decisions, and some turn to addictions or see death as the only answer.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: Jan 26, 2015
• ISBN: 9781503533691

Annie M. Cotton

As a child, I recall many times when the faith of my grandparents and family pulled us through the hard times. I know their prayers covered me. Now as an adult, mother, and caregiver to many, I have experienced this generation of childrens obstacles. Todays children are met with much adversity, temptation, and pressure. This book and fun character are meant to give children and their families hope and to rely on their faith in these tough times. Kernel Mustardseed uses scripture and love to teach children the love of God and that his promises are real. God is available to all of us. We all face mountains, but all we need is faith the size of a mustard seed, and it will move.

Book preview

Copyright © 2015 by Annie M. Cotton.

Library of Congress Control Number:   2015900472

ISBN:   Hardcover   978-1-5035-3367-7

Softcover   978-1-5035-3368-4

eBook   978-1-5035-3369-1

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted

in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system,

without permission in writing from the copyright owner.

Scripture quotations marked KJV are from the Holy Bible, King James Version (Authorized Version). First published in 1611. Quoted from the KJV Classic Reference Bible, Copyright 1983 by the Zondervan Corporation.

Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Thinkstock are models,

and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

Certain stock imagery © Thinkstock.

Rev. date: 01/14/2015

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Contents

Dedications

Preface

Acknowledgments

Introduction

Bully

Model Student

The Greatest Gift

In His Image

A Promise Kept

Hero

Stewardship

Rivalry

Priceless

Giving

Covenant

Delivered

Dedications

To my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ

My husband, Roger Cotton Jr.

My children, Matthew, Rishod, Jessica, Josiah and Jelani Cotton

All my godchildren and special little loves

My parents, Hezikah and Viola Petty

My family and friends

In loving of my grandparents, Nathaniel Williams Sr. and Allie L. Williams

In loving memory of my brother Hezikah S. Petty

In loving memory of my cousin Barry D. Johnson Jr.

In loving memory of my mother-in-law Ms. Lue B. Cotton

God has truly blessed me with the love of family. I love you all.

Preface

Today’s youth have many challenges and face them in different arenas. Not only do they contend in school, on the playground, or in the neighborhood, they now have social media, music videos, magazines, and the power of celebrity influencing them. Society is now teaching our children they can do whatever they want except believe in God and our Savior, Jesus Christ.

Families are hurting due to lack of knowledge and faith. Our hope is that this book will encourage our youth and families to put their faith in God in every situation and trust Him for healing, deliverance, understanding, and salvation.

Acknowledgments

Roger Cotton Jr., my husband and best friend, you support me in every venture. I thank God for your love and companionship.

My children, godchildren, and every child in my life, you are the inspiration for this book. I thank you for teaching me so many valuable lessons.

My family and friends, my village, who continue to help me go after my dreams.

Drs. Dennis and Debra Givens, my spiritual parents, I thank you for your leadership, prayers, and dedication to the kingdom of God.

Introduction

And Jesus said unto them, Because of your unbelief: verily I say unto to you, If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you.

— KJV Matthew 17:20

Kernel Mustardseed is derived from this scripture, which the Lord is teaching us we only need just a little faith and obstacles will be moved from our lives. We as adults face daily challenges that seem unbearable or allow situations to discourage us, and we see no way out. We get caught up in our own struggles that we forget children are met face-to-face with obstacles (mountains) of their own. They do not always seek the help or counsel of an adult. Many children suffer silently, some act out, others make poor decisions, and some turn to addictions or see death as the only answer.

As a child, I recall many times when the faith of my grandparents and family pulled us through the hard times. I know their prayers covered me. Now as an adult, mother and caregiver to many, I have experienced this generation of children’s obstacles. Today’s children are met with much adversity, temptation, and pressure. This book and fun character are meant to give children and their families hope and rely on their faith in these tough times. Kernel Mustardseed uses scripture and love to teach children the love of God and His promises are real. God is available to all of us. We all face mountains, but all we need is faith the size of a mustard seed, and it will move.

Bully

Mason, who’s ten, was on his way to school when Jared, the neighborhood bully, approached him. As he came closer, Mason got really scared. Every day Jared would threaten or bully him. Mason ran in the other direction hoping to avoid Jared, but it was too late. Jared chased him, pushed him down, and laughed at him. He called him names and made fun of him in front of the other children. Mason lay there crying, feeling so alone and afraid. He didn’t have very many friends and wouldn’t tell his family what was going on. Being bullied made him hate going to school.

His mom did not know why he got so sad when it was time to leave for school. She’d ask if he was having problems, but he always said no. At home he was very cheerful and got along well with others. He was helpful and respectful until he was alone in his room. At night he’d secretly cry or would have bad thoughts. He would think about how he could hurt Mason or the others who laughed at him. Sometimes he’d think about hurting himself. The problem got so big Mason couldn’t get past it. It was like a mountain standing before him.

Every day that mountain taunted and teased Mason. He stayed to himself most of the time, and when he was with others, he would act out angrily. His grades declined, and he started not to care anymore. His parents, teachers, and family were really concerned. They tried all they could to get him to open up, but nothing worked. That once cheerful child they knew slowly became quiet and lashed out.

Mason’s change became very evident. It was almost like a light was switched off in him. He began not to care about his appearance or how he spoke to others. If he felt challenged, he’d become very aggressive, as if he wanted to fight. He was mean to children younger than him. He had become what he feared, a bully.

One night while Mason was in the shower, his mom was putting laundry away in his room. In the closet, she found a towel with what seemed to be blood on it. So many thoughts ran through her mind. She went to the bathroom to question Mason about it, but when she opened the door, she found him leaning into the sink with blood streaming from his wrist. She screamed for someone, anyone, to call for help. She grabbed him, wrapped him in a towel, and waited for help to arrive.

As time seemed to stop as she waited for help to come, she began to pray over her son, whispering in his ear, asking God to please