How can we feel secure when we’re separated from the ones we love? If you know a child dealing with separation anxiety or loss, this simple story about the Invisible String of love can help. And it’s perfect for Valentine’s Day!
When twins Liza and Jeremy don’t want to leave Mom’s side to go back to bed in the middle of a thunderstorm, Mom tells them about the Invisible String of love that always connects people who love each other.
“‘When you’re at school and you miss me, your love travels all the way along the String until I feel it tug on my heart.’
‘And when you tug it right back, we feel it in our hearts,’ said Jeremy.”
And no matter where the children go in life, Mom explains, the String will still reach them.
Just as it reaches to Uncle Brian in heaven too.
The String doesn’t go away if Mom is angry at the twins over something they’ve done. And the String between Liza and Jeremy won’t go away as they grow up and have disagreements either.
The book closes with an illustration of a long line of people clasping hands and looking up at the sky together as the Invisible String connects people all over the world. From deep inside, the twins “could clearly see … no one is ever alone.”
While not an overtly Christian book, I think parents and teachers can use The Invisible String to open conversations with children about God, the source of all love, and about His promises to always be with us (young and old) through the indwelling Holy Spirit.
First published in 2000, the book was reissued as a paperback with all-new illustrations in 2018.
The Invisible String
written by Patricia Karst, illustrated by Joanne Lew-Vriethoff
published by Little, Brown and Company
paperback, 40 pages, 10 x 0.13 x 10 inches
Making God’s wonders known to the next generation,
That looks like a sweet way to deal with loss. Thank you
Beautiful Illustrations, and a Story that can start a meaningful conversation!
I love these illustrations!
This seems like a wonderful way to help children understand they are never alone. Whether a connection with Jesus or dealing with the loss of a loved one.
Beautiful!