The Heart Who Wanted to Be Free (a Story about Finding Freedom Through Admitting Our Wrongs)

This fourth book in the StrongHeart Stories series helps kids ages 4 to 8 discover the freedom of admitting their wrongs.

Two lies became three,

and three became more,

till the heart wasn’t sure

what was true anymore.

When a child disobeys and tries to hide, she soon discovers that lying leads to a sticky mess! How will she ever get unstuck? Through rhyming words and vibrant pictures, The Heart Who Wanted to Be Free helps children (and their parents!) embrace the freedom that comes through the practice of confession and forgiveness.

Children learn from a very young age what is good behavior--and they learn to hide their wrongs too. Through this story, parents and teachers can do the holy work of creating an environment in which confession is seen as a gift, an act that frees even the smallest hearts from the burden of shame and lets us all receive God’s grace.

Like every book in the StrongHeart Stories series, The Heart Who Wanted to Be Free equips children with healthy, loving ways to deal with big feelings. This illustrated story series gives parents the guidance and biblical tools to prepare children for spiritual battles in developmentally appropriate ways--through Scripture, worship, rest, prayer, confession, and community.

Beth Guckenberger has lived among and loved children from around the world. An author and ministry leader, she serves with Back2Back Ministries, an international orphan care organization. Beth speaks regularly at conferences, youth gatherings, and churches, and loves playing games and traveling with her large family.