Guarding Our Daughters in God's Grace

Courtesy of The B&B Media Group

CBN.com – While working as the coordinator of an American Girl style show in Fort Worth, Texas, Pam Davis was stunned when news broke that the popular book and doll series had aligned itself with organizations that supported a pro-left agenda that included homosexuality and abortion.

As a Christian and mother of a young daughter, this information caused her to consider the lasting imprint that “playtime” can really leave on an impressionable little girl. In that moment, she began to envision an exciting new possibility. With the right character as a role model, God could use those sweet afternoon tea parties, hours of make-believe, and sleepovers to sow seeds of faith in tender hearts. This concept became the foundation for the Girls ’n Grace products, a line of dolls and books designed to fulfill Davis’ dream of demonstrating to today’s young girls what it means to be girls of grace.

“Today’s little girls are growing up faster than ever, urged toward adolescence by the kids at school, television, movies, music, and even by the toys that they play with—and each of these influences will, in some way, shape who our daughters become,” Davis says. “But even in the midst of so much commotion, God is also speaking. Now is the time for young girls to learn that when you live in the amazing grace of God, you don’t have to give in to the kind of pressures that often lead to bad decisions.”

The release of the first two Girls ’n Grace books serve as the introduction to the product line. The series follows the lives of several fictional young female characters as all facets of their lives, from their friendships to their goals, are affected by their walks with Jesus. Spanning contemporary history as well as the globe, the characters—and the readers along with them—will learn to depend on God’s grace, especially when their decisions to honor or trust Him are difficult ones. Of particular note are Davis’ frank depictions of the protests and prejudices of the civil rights movement, an era that has traditionally been left relatively unexplored in Christian children’s fiction. These books will thoroughly engage young readers and provide the perfect opportunity for moms and daughters to engage in meaningful conversation.

When she named the series—Girls ’n Grace—Davis purposely omitted the “I” from the word “in.” The missing “I,” Davis says, is an indication that the character depicted in each story understands that a Girl ’n Grace has surrendered her self-centered (“I”) desires to the desires of Christ. In doing so, Davis says, she “discovers strength, satisfaction, and significance, which elevates her self-esteem and honors God.”

Sydney Clair’s Season of Change tells the story of a tenacious and curious ten-year-old trying to keep up with all of the changes around her. Sydney Clair Wilcox finds herself right in the middle of the historic events of 1965 surrounding the civil rights, women’s rights, and environmental movements. As her beloved sister leaves for college, Sydney realizes her world is changing. Along with Sydney, readers will learn how God wants us to show His grace to all people and how He gives us everything we need to face each new season in our lives.

In Mesi: A Girl ’n Grace in Africa, young Mesiis growing up in a country where the people’s beliefs are as diverse as the landscape. Her family’s well being is threatened by drought, disease, and war. Yet, despite her hardships, Mesi (pronounced Maycee) finds that God is so very near to her that He cares about every detail of her life. Along her journey Mesi finds out about an inexhaustible treasure called grace.

Each doll from the Girls ’n Grace line comes with a mini Bible and a secret address code that acts as a key to a special online virtual world on the interactive Web site, www.girlsngrace.com. The site includes links for moms, mother/daughter Bible studies, games, a book club, and information about the line of dolls.