The Crushed Flower

Wendy and Suzan were having a wonderful time playing ball catch in Suzan’s backyard. They laughed and shouted as they tossed the ball back and forth.

But in the excitement of the game, Wendy accidentally stepped on a beautiful garden flower that Suzan’s father had planted and cared for lovingly.

Suzan’s eyes widened in horror as she saw the crushed flower. “Wendy, my dad is going to be so angry!” she exclaimed. “He loves that flower so much.”

Suzan looked terrified, and Wendy could understand why. Suzan’s father was not a Christian, and he had a quick temper.

Suzan turned to Wendy and said, “Please, Wendy, tell my dad that you didn’t step on the flower. Tell him that I did it instead.”

Wendy looked at Suzan with surprise and concern. “Suzan, we can’t tell a lie,” she said gently. “Remember what Mrs. Thompson taught us in Sunday school? Telling lies is sinful and displeases God.”

Suzan looked down, knowing that Wendy was right. They had learned in Sunday school that lying is of the devil and should never be used by those who are identified with Christ.

Wendy continued, “We need to tell the truth, even if it’s hard. Let’s go inside and tell your mom what happened. She’ll know what to do.”

Suzan nodded, taking a deep breath. “You’re right, Wendy. Let’s go tell my mom.”

Together, the two girls walked into the house, holding hands and praying for courage and wisdom.

As they entered the kitchen, Suzan’s mom looked up from her cooking and asked, “What’s wrong, girls?”

Suzan took a deep breath and explained what had happened. Wendy supported her, telling the truth and taking responsibility for her actions.

Suzan’s mom listened carefully, then smiled and hugged both girls. “I’m proud of you both for telling the truth,” she said. “We’ll figure out what to do about the flower together.”

As they waited for Suzan’s dad to come home, Wendy and Suzan prayed together, asking God to help them be honest and courageous, even in difficult situations.