Possibly you've seen pictures floating around of some precious girls with a pink plastic flamingo? That's Grace. Grace the flamingo has become a mascot of sorts for our community of girls referred to as God's Girlies. And there's something I'd like you to know about her.

She's pink.  Like many beautiful flamingos, she's really PINK.

Girls dig the color pink, but more importantly a bright pink flamingo has something to tell. It's a well-known fact that flamingos get their pretty pink hue from their diet.  Yes.  Flamingos eat tiny shrimp-like creatures (also pink) which are rich in carotene.

You are what you eat.

The fancy birds are as pink as the substance they consume.  You will find flamingos with pale pink or white feathers too. Malnourished flamingos are dull in color.  And these birds when held captive don't have that pretty pink coloring; that is unless those caring for them supplement their diet with food rich in carotene.

What are you consuming? 

Are you being filled with the word of God; being filled with his spirit?  Or are you being held captive by the world, thus unfulfilled.

Are you malnourished?  Do you try to get by with a skimpy diet of prayer and bible study?

It's also important to know that when flamingos are looking for their partner they choose the brightly colored flamingos as the company more desired.  That's no surprise to me.

Do you have that glow that attracts people to you?  Can those around you see the brightness of Jesus in you?

Grace.

Sure she's just a plastic bird; a mere model of an extravagant pink bird. But she reminds me of the real beauty.

And that's food for thought.

 

Idea for parents:

Pinkalicious is a cute story where a young girl eats one too many cupcakes.  The cupcakes are pink and unhealthy.  As she consumes the cupcakes (even sneaking one after her mom has said "no more") she begins to take on a pink hue and an attitude.  She has to change her diet to green vegetables to return to a healthy, lovable happy young lady.

I'm thinking this book could bring about some great discussion and maybe even some kitchen fun.

Pinkalicious is written by Victoria and Elizabeth Kann.

 

Click on the link to check out some pictures of Grace and our girls.  All the photos are taken locally.  Try to guess where they're taken.  http://kristiburden.com/?p=1281