Daddy's Best: Stories And Tales Best Told By Daddy 414w6q
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- Words: 7,781
- Pages: 85
- Publisher: Christian Faith Publishing, Inc.
- Released Date: 2021-07-25
- Author: I'Kallu Judah-Judah
Daddy’s Best
STORIES AND TALES BEST TOLD BY DADDY by I’Kallu Judah-Judah Illustrated by Joshua Paul Tibbs
ISBN 978-1-09806-257-6 (paperback) ISBN 978-1-63844-773-3 (hardcover) ISBN 978-1-09806-258-3 (digital) Copyright © 2020 by I’Kallu Judah-Judah All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods without the prior written permission of the publisher. For permission requests, solicit the publisher via the address below. Christian Faith Publishing, Inc. 832 Park Avenue Meadville, PA 16335 www.christianfaithpublishing.com Printed in the United States of America
Table of Contents
Acknowledgments Daddy Tales Gala Mana Frogs in the Bucket A Can of Peaches The Pilgrimage to Newville Old Fables Mr. Rabbit, Mr. Fox, Mr. Possum The Three Little Pigs Goldilocks and the Three Bears The Rooster and the Fox The Children’s Bible The Creation The Birth of Jesus Jesus’s Sermon on the Mount—the Beatitudes Jesus’s Crucifixion and Resurrection Daddy Bonus Twelve Pairs
The Pony Leg The Grandpa/Daddy Swing
Acknowledgments
To the angel in my house, my wife, Marilyn Denise Tibbs, whose thirty-seven years of loving me real, purity, and wholistic beauty have graced me to be a daddy’s best to our five children - Tenezia, Rissie, Rachel, Joshua, and Dinah.
To Professor Brad Heller and Joshua Tibbs for the editorial proofing and illustration respectively and for positively influencing me to go forward with writing Daddy’s Best.
Daddy Tales
Chapter 1
Gala Mana¹
Once upon a time, there was an old woman who had gold and silver that she placed in a long black money bag and hid it in her chimney in her house. One day, she needed to go to town but feared to leave her house, thinking that someone would come and steal her gold and silver. So she thought to herself, I will get me a gala mana and have her watch the chimney and house while I am away. So the old lady hired herself a gala mana and said, “You sit here and watch my chimney and my house while I go to town, but don’t you dare look up that chimney.” Gala Mana said, “Yes, ma’am.” As soon as the old lady left, Gala Mana began rocking in the old lady’s rocking chair, watching the chimney. After a while, she thought to herself, I ought to look up the chimney. No, I shouldn’t, and she kept on rocking and kept on watching the chimney. After a while, she thought to herself, I ought to look up that chimney. No, I shouldn’t. Yes! I will! So she leaped up from the rocker and grabbed the fire poker and looked up the chimney and began poking up in the chimney and down came the long black leather money bag, thump, in the chimney ashes. She grabbed the bag and took off running out the door and down the road as fast as she could go. She came to a cow standing on the side of the road, and the cow said, “Mooo! Oh! Ma’am, could you please milk my bag? I haven’t been milked in a long time.” Gala Mana said, “I am in a hurry, and I don’t have time to milk your old full bag, but I’ll get me some milk anyhow.” So she took herself a class of milk and kept on running. She came to a horse standing on the side of the road, and the horse said, “Heee! Ma’am, could you please rub my poor tired old back? I haven’t had rubbing in a long time.” Gala Mana said, “I am in a hurry, and I don’t have time to rub your poor tired old back, but I’m gonna get me a ride anyhow.” So she jumped on his back and rode off down the road.
She came to an apple tree on the side of the road, and the tree said, “Oh! Please, could you pick some of my apples? They are so heavy on my branches. I haven’t had picking in a long time.” Gala Mana said, “I am in a hurry, and I don’t have time to pick your apples, but I’ll get me some anyhow.” So she climbed up in the tree and began eating apples. The old woman arrived back at her house and found Gala Mana was gone. She ran to the chimney to check it and began screaming, “All my gold and silver are gone and my long black money bag, Gala Mana!” She took off and began running down the road screaming, “Gala Mana, all my gold and silver are gone and my long black money bag. Gala Mana!” She came to a cow standing on the side of the road and said to the cow, “Have you seen a girl with a jig and a jag and a long leather bag?” The cow said, “Mooo! Yes, ma’am, she went yonder, that way.” So the old lady went running down the road screaming, “Gala Mana, Gala Mana, all my gold and silver are gone and my long black money bag!” She came to a horse standing on the side of the road and said to the horse, “Have you seen a girl with a jig and a jag and long leather bag?” The horse said, “Heee! Yes, ma’am, she went yonder, that way.” So the old lady went running down the road screaming, “Gala Mana, Gala Mana, all my gold and silver are gone and my long black money bag!” She came to an apple tree on the side of the road and said to the tree, “Have you seen a girl with a jig and a jag and a long leather bag?” The tree said, “Yes, ma’am, she is right up here.” Gala Mana had fallen asleep after eating apples. The old lady pulled Gala Mana out of the tree, beat her, and threw her in the ditch. She picked up her money bag and went home. The old lady decided that she needed a better gala mana and hired a new one.
She brought a gala mana into her home and said, “You sit here and watch the chimney and my house while I go to town, but don’t you dare look up that chimney.” Gala Mana said, “Yes, ma’am.” As soon as the old lady left, Gala Mana began rocking in the old lady’s rocking chair, watching the chimney. After a while, she thought to herself, I ought to look up the chimney. No, I shouldn’t, and she kept on rocking and kept on watching the chimney. After a while, she thought to herself, I ought to look up that chimney. No, I shouldn’t. Yes! I will! So she leaped up from the rocker and grabbed the fire poker and looked up the chimney and began poking up in the chimney and down came the long black leather money bag, thump, in the chimney ashes. She became frighten and left the bag in the chimney ashes and took off running out the door and down the road as fast as she could go. She came to a cow standing on the side of the road, and the cow said, “Mooo! Oh! Ma’am, could you please milk my bag? I haven’t been milked in a long time.” Gala Mana said, “I am in a hurry, but I will milk your old full bag.” When she was finished, the cow offered her some milk. So she took herself a class of milk and said, “Thank you,” and kept on running. She came to a horse standing on the side of the road, and the horse said, “Heee! Ma’am, could you please rub my poor tired old back? I haven’t had rubbing in a long time.” Gala Mana said, “I am in a hurry, and I don’t have time to rub your poor tired old back, but I will rub it anyhow.” So she rubbed the horse’s back; and when she was finished, the horse offered her a ride, and she said, “Thank you.” She got on his back and rode off down the road. She came to an apple tree on the side of the road, and the apple tree said, “Oh! Please could you pick some of my apples? They are so heavy on my branches. I haven’t had picking in a long time.” Gala Mana said, “I am in a hurry and don’t have time to pick your apples, but I will pick them anyhow.” So she climbed up in the tree and began picking, and
when she was finished, the tree offered her some apples and she said, “Thank you,” and began eating apples. The old woman arrived back at her house and found Gala Mana was gone. She ran to the chimney to check it and began screaming, “All my gold and silver are gone and my long black money bag, Gala Mana!” She took off and began running down the road screaming, “Gala Mana, all my gold and silver are gone and my long black money bag. Gala Mana!” She came to a cow standing on the side of the road and said to the cow, “Have you seen a girl with a jig and a jag and a long leather bag?” The cow said, “Mooo! No, ma’am.” So the old lady went running down the road screaming, “Gala Mana, Gala Mana, all my gold and silver are gone and my long black money bag!” She came to a horse standing on the side of the road and said to the horse, “Have you seen a girl with a jig and a jag and long leather bag?” The horse said, “Heee! No, ma’am.” So the old lady went running down the road screaming, “Gala Mana, Gala Mana, all my gold and silver are gone and my long black money bag!” She came to an apple tree on the side of the road and said to the tree, “Have you seen a girl with a jig and a jag and a long leather bag?” The tree said, “No, ma’am.” Gala Mana was sitting in the tree, resting from eating apples. So the old lady went running down the street screaming, “Gala Mana, Gala Mana, all my gold and silver are gone and my long black money bag!” She ran and screamed until she fell out in the street from exhaustion and was picked up by a trash wagon and dumped in front of her house. She lived on ash cakes for the rest of her life, not looking under the ashes where the bag was left.
*****
The moral of the story: When you help others-you help yourself.
Do to others as you would have them do to you. (Luke 6:31 NIV)
Chapter 2
Frogs in the Bucket²
There once were two frogs-one who could hear and one who could not. One day, they went out to play behind a barn. They found a bucket of sweet cream there and hopped up on the rim of the bucket to investigate. While looking in the bucket, they both fell into the sweet cream and began to sink. They were kicking and screaming, which their friends heard and came to see what was wrong. They hopped up on the rim and saw their friends kicking for their lives. All of them began to laugh and say, “You can’t make it, stop kicking, you can’t make it.” The frog who could hear what they were saying became discouraged and sank to the bottom. The frog who could not hear thought his friends were encouraging him and saying, “Come on. You can make it,” but they were really saying, “You can’t make it.” So looking up, the deaf frog began kicking harder but kept on sinking; the harder he would kick, the farther he would sink. He kicked so hard that the sweet cream turned to butter, and he hopped out to safety.
*****
The moral of the story: don’t listen to negative talk and you will make it out.
Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is irable-if anything is excellent or praiseworthy-think about such things. (Philippians 4:8 NIV)
Chapter 3
A Can of Peaches
There once was a teacher who gathered all the children around and sat them at his feet. He took out a cold can of sweet peaches and lifted it in the air. “Who loves peaches?” he asked. All the children yelled out, “I do. I do.” The teacher took some bowls and set them on the table and took the can and began to open it with a hand-twist opener. The children were waiting eagerly to see and taste the cold sweet peaches. The teacher lifted the can of peaches from the table and poured. With all eyes of the children focused in anticipation, out flowed a consistent stream of dirt. Sounds of gasp and awe followed with eyes bucked. The children was caught by surprise. The teacher immediately said, “How a thing looks on the outside does not determine what’s on the inside.” All the children clapped in joy at understanding the message.
*****
The moral of the story: what’s on the inside matters most.
Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart. (1 Samuel 16:7 NIV)
Chapter 4
The Pilgrimage to Newville³
Once upon a time in the valley of Life Land, there existed the town of Living Ville where John lived with his family. This valley and town was filled with beautiful lakes and streams set among rolling hills and grassy knolls, towering pines and high-reaching palms that seem to touch the sky. High above all, on the highest mountain, is Newville where all were called of Living Ville aspire to go and live under the rule and abundance of King Adon. One sunny day, John was out in the valley and heard the call, which sounded like a deep roar, coming from High Mountain. “Come unto me.” John went home and packed to go on his journey to Newville. Driven by the call, “Come unto me,” John was encouraged by his parents that while on his journey, it was important to keep looking up and going forward to Newville at highest mountain no matter the difficulty. On his way, John must down the most undesirable road of Living Ville called Common Road. No one likes to travel on it, but all have traveled the road on the way to Newville. On Common Road lived an evil warthog named Thefron, who had three evil stepsons-Stealion, the raccoon; Killion, the hyena; and Destron, the chameleon. They existed to hinder Living Villers from traveling to Newville on highest mountain. John began his journey immediately and soon came to a place near a tree grove where he could rest for the evening. He sat his gear down and opened up his traveler’s guide to chart his journey and opened his food pack to eat. He noticed another traveler on the other side of the grove, so he welcomed him over, not knowing it was Thefron’s oldest son, Stealion. Stealion spoke in a soft but suspicious tone. “Where are you going? What you got? What are you doing?” all the questions seemed to come at once without allowing John to answer. John turned his head toward Stealion to answer the first question, but Stealion, after getting his attention, had moved to the other side of John. John quickly turned back toward him and saw that his traveler’s guide was gone. “Have you seen my traveler’s guide?” John asked, but Stealion asked the second question again to John, “What you got?” Before he could answer, John turned to notice that half his food was missing. By now, John was concerned and stood to his feet as to address the issue and
immediately noticed a part of his gear was missing and Stealion was nowhere around. As he thought to himself, he ed his parents’ encouragement to “keep looking up and going forward,” then he saw a light gleaming from the High Mountain and heard the roaring call, “Come unto me.” John quickly forgot about Stealion and went sound to sleep to continue his journey at morning light. John awake early the next morning, and after breakfast, he continued his journey and came to a cool but quick flowing lake that he had to cross. After surveying the crossing, because he was not the best swimmer, John determined that it was crossable and waded in; but as he was wading through, a swimmer swam by on his back and inquired if John would welcome a ride on his back across the lake. Perhaps, it would hasten his trip. John agreed, and when they were in the middle of the lake, the hyena introduced himself to John and said, “My name is Killion,” and with that introduction, he began to go under with John on his back. He dipped, rolled in the water, and pulled at John’s legs. At that moment, John ed his parents encouragement to “keep looking up and going forward” and saw a light gleaming from High Mountain and heard the roaring call, “Come unto me.” It was at that very moment John got his footing and was able to stand off the back of Killion and made it to the other shore and to see Killion swim away with the current. John continued his journey. The heat of the day began to bear down and the road became steeper. There up ahead was a chameleon leaning on a tree, older looking with a young appearance. He whispered to John as he ed by him there, saying, “Why don’t you rest? It is not necessary to tire yourself like that.” But John continued on his journey. The old young chameleon followed slowly behind John, close enough to cast a whisper in his ear, telling John that “there really was not such a place as Newville and no one has ever seen this ruler, King Adon. It was all a hoax. He should turn back because he was sure he missed his family and the lovely place of Living Ville.” Although the words began to sting in John’s ear and weigh down his weary
heart, John now knew this must be Thefron’s youngest son, Destron, because he could feel the agonizing whispers of discouragement tearing away at the steps of his journey. But John kept the encouragement of his parents to “keep looking up and going forward,” so he did and heard the voice of King Adon coming out of the glorious light, “Come unto me and rest.” John knew without a doubt that he had reached his destination.
*****
The moral of the story: look up and keep going forward to your destiny.
The thief comes only to steal, kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. (John 10:10 NIV)
Old Fables
Chapter 5
Mr. Rabbit, Mr. Fox, Mr. Possum⁴
Retold by I’Kallu Judah-Judah
Once upon a time, Brer Rabbit, Brer Fox, and Brer Possum spent a lot of time with each other. The more time the animals spent with each other, the more they liked it. They got to liking each other so much that Brer Rabbit, Brer Fox, and Brer Possum decided to live together. Don’t know what their wives and children thought about it. They probably didn’t mind since Brer Rabbit, Brer Fox, and Brer Possum was never at home now. Everything was going along fine until the roof sprang a leak. The first sunny day, Brer Rabbit, Brer Fox, and Brer Possum got out the ladder, the hammers and nails, and climbed up on the roof. They took their lunch with them so they wouldn’t have to waste time climbing down to eat at lunchtime. But they realized that the butter would melt in the sun, so they went and put it in the well to keep it nice and cool. They hadn’t been working long before Brer Rabbit began thinking about that butter. His stomach started growling like a cat getting ready to fight. He was hammering and nailing when all of a sudden, he jumped up and yelled, “Here I am! What do you want with me?” Off he went like somebody was calling him. Brer Fox and Brer Possum watched him go off through the woods and wondered what was wrong. Brer Rabbit hid behind a tree, and when he saw them go back to working, he sneaked over to the well, whacked off a pat of butter, and ate it. Then he went back. “Where you been?” Brer Fox wanted to know. “Oh, I heard my children calling, and I had to go see about them. My wife got sick.” A half hour ed. The memory of that butter began to work on Brer Rabbit’s mind, not to mention his stomach. He raised his head, his ears shot up real straight, and he hollered, “Hold on! I’m coming!” Down the ladder, he went. This time, he stayed away a little longer, and when he came back, Brer Fox asked, “How’s your wife?” “Mighty low. Mighty low.”
Brer Rabbit didn’t work more than fifteen minutes when he was off again. He didn’t leave the well this time until the butter was all gone. When he got back to the roof, he was feeling mighty good. “How’s your wife?” Brer Possum asked. “She’s dead,” answered Brer Rabbit with a sorrowful look. Brer Possum and Brer Fox felt mighty bad. They decided to stop working, eat lunch, and try to make Brer Rabbit feel better. Brer Fox laid out the food and sent Brer Possum to the well to get the butter. In a few minutes, Brer Possum came back, all out of breath, “Hey, y’all! Better come quick! All the butter is gone!” “Gone where?” Brer Fox wanted to know. “Just done, dried up.” Brer Rabbit grunted. “Dried up in somebody’s mouth, I bet.” They went to the well, and sure enough, no butter. Brer Rabbit started looking at the ground real close, like he’s Sherlock Holmes or somebody. Brer Fox said, “Let’s build a fire and all go to sleep around the fire, and while we sleep, the butter will melt out of whoever ate it, I can find out who ate the butter.” They built a fire to keep them warm while they sleep. Brer Possum and Brer Fox went to sleep with their backs to the fire. Brer Rabbit got up, took the part of butter left in the bottom of the pale, and smeared it on the ground under Brer Possum’s tail. Then he went back to the roof, ate the lunch, came back, and woke Brer Fox. “There’s the butter,” he said, pointing to Brer Possum’s tail. “He was the one you sent for the butter, wasn’t he? He was the first one down here. Couldn’t be nobody else but him.” They woke Brer Possum, and Brer Fox accused him of eating up the butter. Naturally, Brer Possum denied everything. But Brer Fox pointed to the evidence around Brer Possum’s tail.
Brer Possum kept pleading his innocence, but to no avail, he was kicked out of the house, never to return.
*****
I know it doesn’t seem right since Brer Possum didn’t have a thing to do with the disappearance of the butter. But that’s the way of the world. Lots of people suffer for other folks’ sins, and I could tell you a thing or two about that if I had a mind to.
*****
The moral of the story: trust but .
Do not trust a neighbor; put no confidence in a friend. (Micah 7:5a NIV)
Chapter 6
The Three Little Pigs⁵
Retold by I’Kallu Judah-Judah
Once upon a time, there were three little pigs; and when they were old enough, their mother decided it was time for them to seek adventure in the big wild world. So one sunny morning, they packed their clothes and some sandwiches and off they went. One day, the three little pigs happened upon a lovely woodland clearing and each thought it was a perfect place to build their houses. “I am going to build my house from straw,” said the first little pig. “There’s a lot of it, and it will take very little time.” “I am going to build my house from sticks,” said the second little pig. “There are so many of them in this woodland, and it will take me no time at all.” “I am going to build my house from bricks,” said the third little pig. “It will be strong and sturdy.” His brothers laughed as they knew the bricks would be heavy and his house would take a long time to build. Theirs would be finished much sooner, and they would be free to play in the sunshine. So the three little pigs started to build their houses. One day, the first little pig was in his house of straw and outside appeared a big bad wolf. The wolf shouted, “Little pig, little pig, let me in!” “Not by the hair of my chinny chin-chin,” he replied. “Okay!” said the wolf. “I’ll huff and I’ll puff and I’ll blow your house down.” So he huffed and he puffed and he blew the straw house down. The little pig was so scared that he ran to his brother’s house of sticks. He told him about the wolf, and they hid under the table. Once again, the wolf shouted, “Little pigs, little pigs, let me in.” “Not by the hair of our chinny chin-chin,” replied the little pigs.
“Very well!” said the wolf. “I’ll huff and I’ll puff and I’ll blow your house down.” So he huffed and he puffed and he blew the stick house down. They were so scared that they ran to their brother’s house of bricks, the third little pig, and they told him about the big bad wolf. But he wasn’t afraid as he knew his house was built with good strong bricks. Once again, the big bad wolf shouted, “Little pigs, little pigs, let me in!” “Not by the hair of our chinny chin-chin,” replied the three little pigs. So the big bad wolf said, “I’ll huff and I’ll puff and I’ll blow your house down.” And he huffed and he puffed and he huffed and he puffed and he huffed and he puffed, but the house was made of good strong bricks and would not move. The three little pigs were very pleased. By now, the big bad wolf was very cross because no matter how hard he tried, he couldn’t move the house. He decided to climb onto the roof of the brick house and sneak down the chimney, but the little pig was too clever and had a big pot of soup bubbling over the fire. As the big bad wolf came down the chimney, he fell bottom first in the bubbling pot and gave such a scream that it sent him back up the chimney, and he landed outside with a thud. The big bad wolf was so afraid of the three little pigs that he ran far into the woods, and from that day forward, he was never seen again and the three little pigs lived happily ever after.
*****
The moral of the story: impatience leads to disaster, but patience leads to success.
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your request to God. (Philippians 4:7 NIV)
Chapter 7
Goldilocks and the Three Bears
Retold by I’Kallu Judah-Judah
Once upon a time, there were three bears who lived in a house in the forest. There was a great big father bear, a middle-sized mother bear, and a tiny baby bear. One morning, their breakfast porridge was too hot to eat, so they decided to go for a walk in the forest. While they were out, a little girl called Goldilocks came through the trees and found their house. She knocked on the door, and as there was no answer, she pushed it open and went inside. In front of her was a table with three chairs-one large chair, one middle-sized chair, and one small chair. On the table were three bowls of porridge-one large bowl, one middle-sized bowl, and one small bowl and three spoons. Goldilocks was hungry and the porridge looked good, so she sat in the great big chair, picked up the large spoon, and tried some of the porridge from the big bowl. But the chair was very big and very hard, the spoon was heavy, and the porridge too hot. Goldilocks jumped off quickly and went over to the middle-sized chair. But this chair was far too soft, and when she tried the porridge from the middle-sized bowl, it was too cold. So she went over to the little chair and picked up the smallest spoon and tried some of the porridge from the tiny bowl. This time, it was neither too hot nor too cold. It was just right and so delicious that she ate it all up. But she was too heavy for the little chair, and it broke in pieces under her weight. Next, Goldilocks went upstairs where she found three beds. There was a great big bed, a middle-sized bed, and a tiny little bed. By now, she was feeling rather tired, so she climbed into the big bed and lay down. The big bed was very hard and far too big. Then she tried the middle-sized bed, but that was far too soft. So she climbed into the tiny little bed. It was neither too hard nor too soft. In fact, it felt just right-all cozy and warm. And in no time at all, Goldilocks fell fast asleep. In a little while, the three bears came back from their walk in the forest. They saw at once that someone had pushed open the door of their house, and Father Bear looked around then roared with a growly voice. “Somebody has been
sitting in my chair.” Mother Bear said in a quiet gentle voice, “Somebody has been sitting in my chair.” Then Little Bear said in small squeaky baby voice, “Somebody has been sitting in my chair and has broken it!” Then Father Bear looked at his bowl of porridge and saw the spoon in it, and he said in his great big growly voice, “ Somebody has been eating my porridge! ” Then Mother Bear saw that her bowl and a spoon in it and said in her quiet voice, “Somebody has been eating my porridge.” Little Bear looked at his porridge bowl and said in his small squeaky baby voice, “Somebody has been eating my porridge and has eaten it all up.” Then the three bears went upstairs, and Father Bear saw at once that his bed was untidy, and he said in his great big growly voice, “ Somebody has been sleeping in my bed! ” Mother Bear saw that her bed too had the bedding turned back, and she said in her quiet gentle voice, “Somebody has been sleeping in my bed!” Then Little Bear looked at his bed and said in his small squeaky baby voice, “Somebody is sleeping in my bed!” He squeaked so loudly that Goldilocks woke up with a start. She jumped out of bed and away she ran, down the stairs and out into the forest. And the three bears never saw her again.
*****
The moral of the story: stealing always results in fear and getting caught.
You shall not steal. (Exodus 20:15 NIV)
Chapter 8
The Rooster and the Fox⁷
Retold by I’Kallu Judah-Judah
One bright evening, as the sun was sinking on a glorious world, a wise old rooster flew into a tree to roost. Before he composed himself to rest, he flapped his wings three times and crowed loudly. But just as he was about to put his head under his wing, his beady eyes caught a flash of red and a glimpse of a long pointed nose, and there just below him stood Master Fox. “Have you heard the wonderful news?” cried the fox in a very joyful and excited manner. “What news?” asked the rooster very calmly. But he had a queer, fluttery feeling inside him for you know, he was very much afraid of the fox. “Your family and mine and all other animals have agreed to forget their differences and live in peace and friendship from now on and forever. Just think of it! I simply cannot wait to embrace you! Do come down, dear friend, and let us celebrate the joyful event.” “How grand!” said the rooster. “I certainly am delighted at the news.” But he spoke in an absent way, and he was stretching up on tiptoes, seemed to be looking at something far off. “What is it you see?” asked the fox a little anxiously. “Why it looks to me like a couple of dogs coming this way? They must have heard the good news and” But the fox did not wait to hear more. Off he started on a run. “Wait,” cried the rooster. “Why do you run? The dogs are friends of yours now!” “Yes,” answered the fox. “But they might not have heard the news. Besides, I have a very important errand that I had almost forgotten about.” The rooster smiled as he buried his head in his feathers and went to sleep for he had succeeded in outwitting a very crafty enemy.
*****
The moral of the story: beware of interested friendships.
Dear children, do not let anyone lead you astray… (1 John 3:7 NIV)
The Children’s Bible
Chapter 9
The Creation⁸
Retold by I’Kallu Judah-Judah
In the beginning before time, our world had no form. It was an empty place. Darkness covered the earth and the deep. But God in his Spirit moved to-and-fro over it all. God commanded light, and the light appeared. He separated the light from darkness and named the light “day” and named the darkness “night,” and they moved in God’s order, and there was evening and morning the first day. It was the second day. God commanded, and he said, “Let there be a dispersion of waters from waters.” Then God separated the water under the dispersion from the water above. God named the water above “sky.” It was the third day. God commanded, and he said to the water under the sky “to gather in one place so dry ground can appear,” and the mass of water moved to one side and dry ground appeared. God named the dry ground “land” and named the gathered waters “seas.” Then God said to the land, “Produce trees, plants, and fruit of many kinds,” and it was so good in all its beauty and wonder. God saw it so. It was the fourth day. God commanded, and he said, “Let there be lights in the dispersion of the sky.” Then he made the lights to separate day from night and made them to be signs for seasons and days and years, and they gave light on the earth. God made two great governor lights-a greater light for day and a lesser light for night. It was the fifth day. God commanded, and he said, “Let the water be greatly filled with living creatures of every kind, large and small, and birds to fly above the earth and across the great dispersed sky.” Next, God blessed the creatures, and he said, “Be fruitful, multiply in number, creatures in the water and birds on the earth.” It was the sixth day. God commanded, and he said to the land, “Produce living creatures of every kind and the wild animals.” Then God said, “Let us make man in our image and our likeness to rule over all creatures and over all the earth.” Man and female God created in his own image. God blessed them, and he said, “Be fruitful and multiply in number to fill the
earth, subdue and rule over all things on the earth and in the sky.” God made it so good. God saw it so. It was the seventh day. God had completed his vast creation. So God blessed the seventh day and made it holy, and he rested from all of his work of creating. Amen.
*****
The moral of the story: God created all things by and for his glory.
In the beginning God created the Heavens and the earth. (Genesis 1:1 NIV)
Chapter 10
The Birth of Jesus
Retold by I’Kallu Judah-Judah
In a little town in Galilee called Nazareth lived a young devout peasant girl who was engaged to Joseph, from the family of Judah and King David. She was highly favored by God but was not aware of this until one day, she had a visitor who told her what God thought of her. Gabriel, an angel sent by God, went to her and said, “Greetings, you are highly favored! Because the Lord is with you.” Mary was troubled and did not understand what he meant. But Gabriel said, “Don’t be afraid. You have a favor with God and will have a child, a son that you are to name him Jesus. He will be great and called the Son of the Most High, and he will reign forever. This will be of the power of the Most High. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God.” Mary felt joyful and trusted and said, “I am the Lord’s servant and will accept God’s will.” Now Joseph, from the line of King David, went with Mary, his fiancée, who now is expecting a child, to Bethlehem to for the first census. While they were there, Mary gave birth to her firstborn-a son named Jesus. She wrapped him in cloths and lay him in a manger. Shepherds, angels in the heavens, and wise men from the east, all at certain times, came to worship Jesus the Savior, born Christ the Lord, and there appeared a great company of the heavenly host praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests.”
*****
The moral of the story: God’s favor and purpose for us is greater than our thoughts.
But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, you have found favor with God. You will be with child and give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus.” (Luke 1:30–31 NIV)
Chapter 11
Jesus’s Sermon on the Mount—the Beatitudes¹
Retold by I’Kallu Judah-Judah
Jesus saw the multitude of people from across the region following him and went up from the lake and up on a mountain, and his disciples came to him. Jesus began to teach about the ideal character and principles of being his disciple, those who follow Christ, saying: “Blessed, well-being and spiritual joy to those who are poor in spirit. They, the lowly, will receive grace, the kingdom of heaven. “Blessed, well-being and spiritual joy to those who mourn. They, the godly sorrowful, will be consoled. “Blessed, well-being and spiritual joy to the meek. They, the humble, will receive the new promised land and will inherit the earth. “Blessed, well-being and spiritual joy to those who hunger and thirst for righteousness. They, the seekers of God, shall be satisfied. “Blessed, well-being and spiritual joy to those who are merciful. They, who show pity, will receive God’s pity. They will be shown mercy. “Blessed, well-being and spiritual joy to those who are pure in heart. They, of a clean mind and emotions, will abide with God, see God. “Blessed, well-being and spiritual joy to those who are peacemakers. They, who are calm and friendly in the holiest sense, will be called sons of God. “Blessed, well-being and spiritual joy to those who are persecuted because of righteousness. They, who are tormented because of their relationship with God, will live with God. Theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”
*****
Moral of the story: attitude determines one’s altitude.
You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salt again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled by men. (Matthew 5:13 NIV)
Chapter 12
Jesus’s Crucifixion and Resurrection¹¹
Retold by I’Kallu Judah-Judah
Pilate, after finding no fault in Jesus, gave in to the unruly mob and their religious leaders and turned Jesus over to be crucified. The Roman government crucified the troublesome and criminals in their day. When they came to the place called the skull, Golgotha, there they crucified him, along with the criminals-one on his right, the other on his left. Jesus said, “Father, forgive them for they know not what they are doing.” Then they divided up his clothes by casting lots. People watched and even made fun of Jesus with mean words and ridicule. The soldiers even tormented him. One of the criminals who was also being crucified even insulted Jesus, but the other one believed in Jesus. To the one who believed him, Jesus said, “I tell you the truth. Today you will be with me in paradise.” The whole land became pitch dark for hours, and the drapes in the temple were torn in two from top to bottom, even though no man did it. Jesus called out in a loud voice, “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.” When he had said this, he breathed his last. One of the soldiers who saw what happened praised God and said, “Surely this was a righteous man.” Seeing what happened, all the people went away ashamed and fearful of what they had seen and done. Early in the morning on the third day after Jesus died, on the first day of the week, as was their custom, women came with spices to Jesus’s tomb but found the stone rolled away and Jesus’s body was gone. They were all in great shock and filled with fright.
Suddenly, two angels appeared to them and said, “Why do you seek the living among the dead? He is not here. He has risen!” Jesus’s disciples were in hiding talking about this. Jesus appeared among them and spoke to them. Later, when he led them out to Bethany while he blessed them, he left them and was taken up into heaven.
*****
Moral of the story: God so loved us.
For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. (John 3:16 NIV)
Daddy Bonus
Chapter 13
Twelve Pairs¹²
A riddle retold by I’Kallu Judah-Judah
Twelve pairs hanging high. Twelve men came riding by. Each reached up and took a pair. And left eleven hanging there.
*****
The answer: “Each” was the name of one of the men.
Chapter 14
The Pony Leg
Daddy should sit in a comfortable seat where his legs can be positioned in a bending and stretching position. The child should be first placed on the daddy’s knee while in the upright bent position while facing away from Daddy. Daddy should place a firm but gentle hold on the belt or pants of the child at the lower back. Daddy should begin a gentle bounce of the child as to simulate the child up and down bouncing as if on a pony. The ride can intensify based on the age of the child but not to the level of harm or discomfort. While the child is enjoying the ride and is shown confidence, the daddy should add the following variation. Daddy should add wobble or side-to-side movement of the knee for a more challenging but fun ride. Daddy should stretch out the riding knee to a straight leg and back to bent to simulate a rodeo ride. Have fun until each are having completed enjoying the moment.
Chapter 15
The Grandpa/Daddy Swing
Daddy should stand upright in a safe and clear area for space inside or outside. Daddy should invite the child to a daddy swing. Daddy should bend slightly at the waist to the sitting level of the child with both arms and hands cupped as a swing. Daddy should have the child sit on his hands where he can secure the child as if in a cupped hole. Daddy should secure the child with both hands and arms with the child’s arms and elbows resting over his. Daddy should simulate a swing movement with hand and arms firm but gently moving in the swing position. Daddy should give one to two low but good swings and one high swing with a simultaneous pause and lowering the child from the elevated position, bringing the child down softly to a standing position as if having jumped from a swing. You can be sure after the first experience that the child will make the request.
About the Author
I’Kallu Judah-Judah has an anointed call and joy on and in his life. His anointed call and first joy of his life is that he was called to the Gospel ministry at the age of nine and has served his call with ardent sacrifice and abandon for fifty-two years as a pastor, evangelist, author, professor, certified Christian counselor, and educator. He is the founder and president of the Albert Tibbs Evangelistic Association (ATEA) in Fort Bend County, Texas. He and Marilyn lead family and life conferences through their Marriage Builders, Love Worth Marrying, Love Worth Marriage, and Daddy’s Best conferences. The second joy of his life is Marilyn, the angel in his house and great gift from God. His wife of thirty-seven years calls him boobie. The third joy of his life are his children - Tenezia, Rissie, Rachel, Joshua, and Dinah-who call him daddy. The fourth joy of his life are his ten grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. ¹ Helen Florence Neloms 1967 ² Children’s Motivational Rally 1970 ³ John 10 (NIV) 1984 ⁴ Julius Lester, Uncle Remus: The Complete Tales (New York: Phyllis Fogelman Books, 1999). ⁵ Created Widget by Ino-Yasha Robert Southry 1837. Retold by Joseph Cundaul 1849. ⁷ Aesop’s Fables as told by Milo Winter 1919. ⁸ Genesis 1 and 2 (NIV) 1984. Luke 1 and 2 (NIV) 1984. ¹ Matthew 4 and 5 (NIV) 1984; The Pulpit Commentary, Vol. 15 Matthew. ¹¹ Luke 23 and 24 (NIV) 1984.
¹² Rosie Norton, 2017.
STORIES AND TALES BEST TOLD BY DADDY by I’Kallu Judah-Judah Illustrated by Joshua Paul Tibbs
ISBN 978-1-09806-257-6 (paperback) ISBN 978-1-63844-773-3 (hardcover) ISBN 978-1-09806-258-3 (digital) Copyright © 2020 by I’Kallu Judah-Judah All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods without the prior written permission of the publisher. For permission requests, solicit the publisher via the address below. Christian Faith Publishing, Inc. 832 Park Avenue Meadville, PA 16335 www.christianfaithpublishing.com Printed in the United States of America
Table of Contents
Acknowledgments Daddy Tales Gala Mana Frogs in the Bucket A Can of Peaches The Pilgrimage to Newville Old Fables Mr. Rabbit, Mr. Fox, Mr. Possum The Three Little Pigs Goldilocks and the Three Bears The Rooster and the Fox The Children’s Bible The Creation The Birth of Jesus Jesus’s Sermon on the Mount—the Beatitudes Jesus’s Crucifixion and Resurrection Daddy Bonus Twelve Pairs
The Pony Leg The Grandpa/Daddy Swing
Acknowledgments
To the angel in my house, my wife, Marilyn Denise Tibbs, whose thirty-seven years of loving me real, purity, and wholistic beauty have graced me to be a daddy’s best to our five children - Tenezia, Rissie, Rachel, Joshua, and Dinah.
To Professor Brad Heller and Joshua Tibbs for the editorial proofing and illustration respectively and for positively influencing me to go forward with writing Daddy’s Best.
Daddy Tales
Chapter 1
Gala Mana¹
Once upon a time, there was an old woman who had gold and silver that she placed in a long black money bag and hid it in her chimney in her house. One day, she needed to go to town but feared to leave her house, thinking that someone would come and steal her gold and silver. So she thought to herself, I will get me a gala mana and have her watch the chimney and house while I am away. So the old lady hired herself a gala mana and said, “You sit here and watch my chimney and my house while I go to town, but don’t you dare look up that chimney.” Gala Mana said, “Yes, ma’am.” As soon as the old lady left, Gala Mana began rocking in the old lady’s rocking chair, watching the chimney. After a while, she thought to herself, I ought to look up the chimney. No, I shouldn’t, and she kept on rocking and kept on watching the chimney. After a while, she thought to herself, I ought to look up that chimney. No, I shouldn’t. Yes! I will! So she leaped up from the rocker and grabbed the fire poker and looked up the chimney and began poking up in the chimney and down came the long black leather money bag, thump, in the chimney ashes. She grabbed the bag and took off running out the door and down the road as fast as she could go. She came to a cow standing on the side of the road, and the cow said, “Mooo! Oh! Ma’am, could you please milk my bag? I haven’t been milked in a long time.” Gala Mana said, “I am in a hurry, and I don’t have time to milk your old full bag, but I’ll get me some milk anyhow.” So she took herself a class of milk and kept on running. She came to a horse standing on the side of the road, and the horse said, “Heee! Ma’am, could you please rub my poor tired old back? I haven’t had rubbing in a long time.” Gala Mana said, “I am in a hurry, and I don’t have time to rub your poor tired old back, but I’m gonna get me a ride anyhow.” So she jumped on his back and rode off down the road.
She came to an apple tree on the side of the road, and the tree said, “Oh! Please, could you pick some of my apples? They are so heavy on my branches. I haven’t had picking in a long time.” Gala Mana said, “I am in a hurry, and I don’t have time to pick your apples, but I’ll get me some anyhow.” So she climbed up in the tree and began eating apples. The old woman arrived back at her house and found Gala Mana was gone. She ran to the chimney to check it and began screaming, “All my gold and silver are gone and my long black money bag, Gala Mana!” She took off and began running down the road screaming, “Gala Mana, all my gold and silver are gone and my long black money bag. Gala Mana!” She came to a cow standing on the side of the road and said to the cow, “Have you seen a girl with a jig and a jag and a long leather bag?” The cow said, “Mooo! Yes, ma’am, she went yonder, that way.” So the old lady went running down the road screaming, “Gala Mana, Gala Mana, all my gold and silver are gone and my long black money bag!” She came to a horse standing on the side of the road and said to the horse, “Have you seen a girl with a jig and a jag and long leather bag?” The horse said, “Heee! Yes, ma’am, she went yonder, that way.” So the old lady went running down the road screaming, “Gala Mana, Gala Mana, all my gold and silver are gone and my long black money bag!” She came to an apple tree on the side of the road and said to the tree, “Have you seen a girl with a jig and a jag and a long leather bag?” The tree said, “Yes, ma’am, she is right up here.” Gala Mana had fallen asleep after eating apples. The old lady pulled Gala Mana out of the tree, beat her, and threw her in the ditch. She picked up her money bag and went home. The old lady decided that she needed a better gala mana and hired a new one.
She brought a gala mana into her home and said, “You sit here and watch the chimney and my house while I go to town, but don’t you dare look up that chimney.” Gala Mana said, “Yes, ma’am.” As soon as the old lady left, Gala Mana began rocking in the old lady’s rocking chair, watching the chimney. After a while, she thought to herself, I ought to look up the chimney. No, I shouldn’t, and she kept on rocking and kept on watching the chimney. After a while, she thought to herself, I ought to look up that chimney. No, I shouldn’t. Yes! I will! So she leaped up from the rocker and grabbed the fire poker and looked up the chimney and began poking up in the chimney and down came the long black leather money bag, thump, in the chimney ashes. She became frighten and left the bag in the chimney ashes and took off running out the door and down the road as fast as she could go. She came to a cow standing on the side of the road, and the cow said, “Mooo! Oh! Ma’am, could you please milk my bag? I haven’t been milked in a long time.” Gala Mana said, “I am in a hurry, but I will milk your old full bag.” When she was finished, the cow offered her some milk. So she took herself a class of milk and said, “Thank you,” and kept on running. She came to a horse standing on the side of the road, and the horse said, “Heee! Ma’am, could you please rub my poor tired old back? I haven’t had rubbing in a long time.” Gala Mana said, “I am in a hurry, and I don’t have time to rub your poor tired old back, but I will rub it anyhow.” So she rubbed the horse’s back; and when she was finished, the horse offered her a ride, and she said, “Thank you.” She got on his back and rode off down the road. She came to an apple tree on the side of the road, and the apple tree said, “Oh! Please could you pick some of my apples? They are so heavy on my branches. I haven’t had picking in a long time.” Gala Mana said, “I am in a hurry and don’t have time to pick your apples, but I will pick them anyhow.” So she climbed up in the tree and began picking, and
when she was finished, the tree offered her some apples and she said, “Thank you,” and began eating apples. The old woman arrived back at her house and found Gala Mana was gone. She ran to the chimney to check it and began screaming, “All my gold and silver are gone and my long black money bag, Gala Mana!” She took off and began running down the road screaming, “Gala Mana, all my gold and silver are gone and my long black money bag. Gala Mana!” She came to a cow standing on the side of the road and said to the cow, “Have you seen a girl with a jig and a jag and a long leather bag?” The cow said, “Mooo! No, ma’am.” So the old lady went running down the road screaming, “Gala Mana, Gala Mana, all my gold and silver are gone and my long black money bag!” She came to a horse standing on the side of the road and said to the horse, “Have you seen a girl with a jig and a jag and long leather bag?” The horse said, “Heee! No, ma’am.” So the old lady went running down the road screaming, “Gala Mana, Gala Mana, all my gold and silver are gone and my long black money bag!” She came to an apple tree on the side of the road and said to the tree, “Have you seen a girl with a jig and a jag and a long leather bag?” The tree said, “No, ma’am.” Gala Mana was sitting in the tree, resting from eating apples. So the old lady went running down the street screaming, “Gala Mana, Gala Mana, all my gold and silver are gone and my long black money bag!” She ran and screamed until she fell out in the street from exhaustion and was picked up by a trash wagon and dumped in front of her house. She lived on ash cakes for the rest of her life, not looking under the ashes where the bag was left.
*****
The moral of the story: When you help others-you help yourself.
Do to others as you would have them do to you. (Luke 6:31 NIV)
Chapter 2
Frogs in the Bucket²
There once were two frogs-one who could hear and one who could not. One day, they went out to play behind a barn. They found a bucket of sweet cream there and hopped up on the rim of the bucket to investigate. While looking in the bucket, they both fell into the sweet cream and began to sink. They were kicking and screaming, which their friends heard and came to see what was wrong. They hopped up on the rim and saw their friends kicking for their lives. All of them began to laugh and say, “You can’t make it, stop kicking, you can’t make it.” The frog who could hear what they were saying became discouraged and sank to the bottom. The frog who could not hear thought his friends were encouraging him and saying, “Come on. You can make it,” but they were really saying, “You can’t make it.” So looking up, the deaf frog began kicking harder but kept on sinking; the harder he would kick, the farther he would sink. He kicked so hard that the sweet cream turned to butter, and he hopped out to safety.
*****
The moral of the story: don’t listen to negative talk and you will make it out.
Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is irable-if anything is excellent or praiseworthy-think about such things. (Philippians 4:8 NIV)
Chapter 3
A Can of Peaches
There once was a teacher who gathered all the children around and sat them at his feet. He took out a cold can of sweet peaches and lifted it in the air. “Who loves peaches?” he asked. All the children yelled out, “I do. I do.” The teacher took some bowls and set them on the table and took the can and began to open it with a hand-twist opener. The children were waiting eagerly to see and taste the cold sweet peaches. The teacher lifted the can of peaches from the table and poured. With all eyes of the children focused in anticipation, out flowed a consistent stream of dirt. Sounds of gasp and awe followed with eyes bucked. The children was caught by surprise. The teacher immediately said, “How a thing looks on the outside does not determine what’s on the inside.” All the children clapped in joy at understanding the message.
*****
The moral of the story: what’s on the inside matters most.
Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart. (1 Samuel 16:7 NIV)
Chapter 4
The Pilgrimage to Newville³
Once upon a time in the valley of Life Land, there existed the town of Living Ville where John lived with his family. This valley and town was filled with beautiful lakes and streams set among rolling hills and grassy knolls, towering pines and high-reaching palms that seem to touch the sky. High above all, on the highest mountain, is Newville where all were called of Living Ville aspire to go and live under the rule and abundance of King Adon. One sunny day, John was out in the valley and heard the call, which sounded like a deep roar, coming from High Mountain. “Come unto me.” John went home and packed to go on his journey to Newville. Driven by the call, “Come unto me,” John was encouraged by his parents that while on his journey, it was important to keep looking up and going forward to Newville at highest mountain no matter the difficulty. On his way, John must down the most undesirable road of Living Ville called Common Road. No one likes to travel on it, but all have traveled the road on the way to Newville. On Common Road lived an evil warthog named Thefron, who had three evil stepsons-Stealion, the raccoon; Killion, the hyena; and Destron, the chameleon. They existed to hinder Living Villers from traveling to Newville on highest mountain. John began his journey immediately and soon came to a place near a tree grove where he could rest for the evening. He sat his gear down and opened up his traveler’s guide to chart his journey and opened his food pack to eat. He noticed another traveler on the other side of the grove, so he welcomed him over, not knowing it was Thefron’s oldest son, Stealion. Stealion spoke in a soft but suspicious tone. “Where are you going? What you got? What are you doing?” all the questions seemed to come at once without allowing John to answer. John turned his head toward Stealion to answer the first question, but Stealion, after getting his attention, had moved to the other side of John. John quickly turned back toward him and saw that his traveler’s guide was gone. “Have you seen my traveler’s guide?” John asked, but Stealion asked the second question again to John, “What you got?” Before he could answer, John turned to notice that half his food was missing. By now, John was concerned and stood to his feet as to address the issue and
immediately noticed a part of his gear was missing and Stealion was nowhere around. As he thought to himself, he ed his parents’ encouragement to “keep looking up and going forward,” then he saw a light gleaming from the High Mountain and heard the roaring call, “Come unto me.” John quickly forgot about Stealion and went sound to sleep to continue his journey at morning light. John awake early the next morning, and after breakfast, he continued his journey and came to a cool but quick flowing lake that he had to cross. After surveying the crossing, because he was not the best swimmer, John determined that it was crossable and waded in; but as he was wading through, a swimmer swam by on his back and inquired if John would welcome a ride on his back across the lake. Perhaps, it would hasten his trip. John agreed, and when they were in the middle of the lake, the hyena introduced himself to John and said, “My name is Killion,” and with that introduction, he began to go under with John on his back. He dipped, rolled in the water, and pulled at John’s legs. At that moment, John ed his parents encouragement to “keep looking up and going forward” and saw a light gleaming from High Mountain and heard the roaring call, “Come unto me.” It was at that very moment John got his footing and was able to stand off the back of Killion and made it to the other shore and to see Killion swim away with the current. John continued his journey. The heat of the day began to bear down and the road became steeper. There up ahead was a chameleon leaning on a tree, older looking with a young appearance. He whispered to John as he ed by him there, saying, “Why don’t you rest? It is not necessary to tire yourself like that.” But John continued on his journey. The old young chameleon followed slowly behind John, close enough to cast a whisper in his ear, telling John that “there really was not such a place as Newville and no one has ever seen this ruler, King Adon. It was all a hoax. He should turn back because he was sure he missed his family and the lovely place of Living Ville.” Although the words began to sting in John’s ear and weigh down his weary
heart, John now knew this must be Thefron’s youngest son, Destron, because he could feel the agonizing whispers of discouragement tearing away at the steps of his journey. But John kept the encouragement of his parents to “keep looking up and going forward,” so he did and heard the voice of King Adon coming out of the glorious light, “Come unto me and rest.” John knew without a doubt that he had reached his destination.
*****
The moral of the story: look up and keep going forward to your destiny.
The thief comes only to steal, kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. (John 10:10 NIV)
Old Fables
Chapter 5
Mr. Rabbit, Mr. Fox, Mr. Possum⁴
Retold by I’Kallu Judah-Judah
Once upon a time, Brer Rabbit, Brer Fox, and Brer Possum spent a lot of time with each other. The more time the animals spent with each other, the more they liked it. They got to liking each other so much that Brer Rabbit, Brer Fox, and Brer Possum decided to live together. Don’t know what their wives and children thought about it. They probably didn’t mind since Brer Rabbit, Brer Fox, and Brer Possum was never at home now. Everything was going along fine until the roof sprang a leak. The first sunny day, Brer Rabbit, Brer Fox, and Brer Possum got out the ladder, the hammers and nails, and climbed up on the roof. They took their lunch with them so they wouldn’t have to waste time climbing down to eat at lunchtime. But they realized that the butter would melt in the sun, so they went and put it in the well to keep it nice and cool. They hadn’t been working long before Brer Rabbit began thinking about that butter. His stomach started growling like a cat getting ready to fight. He was hammering and nailing when all of a sudden, he jumped up and yelled, “Here I am! What do you want with me?” Off he went like somebody was calling him. Brer Fox and Brer Possum watched him go off through the woods and wondered what was wrong. Brer Rabbit hid behind a tree, and when he saw them go back to working, he sneaked over to the well, whacked off a pat of butter, and ate it. Then he went back. “Where you been?” Brer Fox wanted to know. “Oh, I heard my children calling, and I had to go see about them. My wife got sick.” A half hour ed. The memory of that butter began to work on Brer Rabbit’s mind, not to mention his stomach. He raised his head, his ears shot up real straight, and he hollered, “Hold on! I’m coming!” Down the ladder, he went. This time, he stayed away a little longer, and when he came back, Brer Fox asked, “How’s your wife?” “Mighty low. Mighty low.”
Brer Rabbit didn’t work more than fifteen minutes when he was off again. He didn’t leave the well this time until the butter was all gone. When he got back to the roof, he was feeling mighty good. “How’s your wife?” Brer Possum asked. “She’s dead,” answered Brer Rabbit with a sorrowful look. Brer Possum and Brer Fox felt mighty bad. They decided to stop working, eat lunch, and try to make Brer Rabbit feel better. Brer Fox laid out the food and sent Brer Possum to the well to get the butter. In a few minutes, Brer Possum came back, all out of breath, “Hey, y’all! Better come quick! All the butter is gone!” “Gone where?” Brer Fox wanted to know. “Just done, dried up.” Brer Rabbit grunted. “Dried up in somebody’s mouth, I bet.” They went to the well, and sure enough, no butter. Brer Rabbit started looking at the ground real close, like he’s Sherlock Holmes or somebody. Brer Fox said, “Let’s build a fire and all go to sleep around the fire, and while we sleep, the butter will melt out of whoever ate it, I can find out who ate the butter.” They built a fire to keep them warm while they sleep. Brer Possum and Brer Fox went to sleep with their backs to the fire. Brer Rabbit got up, took the part of butter left in the bottom of the pale, and smeared it on the ground under Brer Possum’s tail. Then he went back to the roof, ate the lunch, came back, and woke Brer Fox. “There’s the butter,” he said, pointing to Brer Possum’s tail. “He was the one you sent for the butter, wasn’t he? He was the first one down here. Couldn’t be nobody else but him.” They woke Brer Possum, and Brer Fox accused him of eating up the butter. Naturally, Brer Possum denied everything. But Brer Fox pointed to the evidence around Brer Possum’s tail.
Brer Possum kept pleading his innocence, but to no avail, he was kicked out of the house, never to return.
*****
I know it doesn’t seem right since Brer Possum didn’t have a thing to do with the disappearance of the butter. But that’s the way of the world. Lots of people suffer for other folks’ sins, and I could tell you a thing or two about that if I had a mind to.
*****
The moral of the story: trust but .
Do not trust a neighbor; put no confidence in a friend. (Micah 7:5a NIV)
Chapter 6
The Three Little Pigs⁵
Retold by I’Kallu Judah-Judah
Once upon a time, there were three little pigs; and when they were old enough, their mother decided it was time for them to seek adventure in the big wild world. So one sunny morning, they packed their clothes and some sandwiches and off they went. One day, the three little pigs happened upon a lovely woodland clearing and each thought it was a perfect place to build their houses. “I am going to build my house from straw,” said the first little pig. “There’s a lot of it, and it will take very little time.” “I am going to build my house from sticks,” said the second little pig. “There are so many of them in this woodland, and it will take me no time at all.” “I am going to build my house from bricks,” said the third little pig. “It will be strong and sturdy.” His brothers laughed as they knew the bricks would be heavy and his house would take a long time to build. Theirs would be finished much sooner, and they would be free to play in the sunshine. So the three little pigs started to build their houses. One day, the first little pig was in his house of straw and outside appeared a big bad wolf. The wolf shouted, “Little pig, little pig, let me in!” “Not by the hair of my chinny chin-chin,” he replied. “Okay!” said the wolf. “I’ll huff and I’ll puff and I’ll blow your house down.” So he huffed and he puffed and he blew the straw house down. The little pig was so scared that he ran to his brother’s house of sticks. He told him about the wolf, and they hid under the table. Once again, the wolf shouted, “Little pigs, little pigs, let me in.” “Not by the hair of our chinny chin-chin,” replied the little pigs.
“Very well!” said the wolf. “I’ll huff and I’ll puff and I’ll blow your house down.” So he huffed and he puffed and he blew the stick house down. They were so scared that they ran to their brother’s house of bricks, the third little pig, and they told him about the big bad wolf. But he wasn’t afraid as he knew his house was built with good strong bricks. Once again, the big bad wolf shouted, “Little pigs, little pigs, let me in!” “Not by the hair of our chinny chin-chin,” replied the three little pigs. So the big bad wolf said, “I’ll huff and I’ll puff and I’ll blow your house down.” And he huffed and he puffed and he huffed and he puffed and he huffed and he puffed, but the house was made of good strong bricks and would not move. The three little pigs were very pleased. By now, the big bad wolf was very cross because no matter how hard he tried, he couldn’t move the house. He decided to climb onto the roof of the brick house and sneak down the chimney, but the little pig was too clever and had a big pot of soup bubbling over the fire. As the big bad wolf came down the chimney, he fell bottom first in the bubbling pot and gave such a scream that it sent him back up the chimney, and he landed outside with a thud. The big bad wolf was so afraid of the three little pigs that he ran far into the woods, and from that day forward, he was never seen again and the three little pigs lived happily ever after.
*****
The moral of the story: impatience leads to disaster, but patience leads to success.
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your request to God. (Philippians 4:7 NIV)
Chapter 7
Goldilocks and the Three Bears
Retold by I’Kallu Judah-Judah
Once upon a time, there were three bears who lived in a house in the forest. There was a great big father bear, a middle-sized mother bear, and a tiny baby bear. One morning, their breakfast porridge was too hot to eat, so they decided to go for a walk in the forest. While they were out, a little girl called Goldilocks came through the trees and found their house. She knocked on the door, and as there was no answer, she pushed it open and went inside. In front of her was a table with three chairs-one large chair, one middle-sized chair, and one small chair. On the table were three bowls of porridge-one large bowl, one middle-sized bowl, and one small bowl and three spoons. Goldilocks was hungry and the porridge looked good, so she sat in the great big chair, picked up the large spoon, and tried some of the porridge from the big bowl. But the chair was very big and very hard, the spoon was heavy, and the porridge too hot. Goldilocks jumped off quickly and went over to the middle-sized chair. But this chair was far too soft, and when she tried the porridge from the middle-sized bowl, it was too cold. So she went over to the little chair and picked up the smallest spoon and tried some of the porridge from the tiny bowl. This time, it was neither too hot nor too cold. It was just right and so delicious that she ate it all up. But she was too heavy for the little chair, and it broke in pieces under her weight. Next, Goldilocks went upstairs where she found three beds. There was a great big bed, a middle-sized bed, and a tiny little bed. By now, she was feeling rather tired, so she climbed into the big bed and lay down. The big bed was very hard and far too big. Then she tried the middle-sized bed, but that was far too soft. So she climbed into the tiny little bed. It was neither too hard nor too soft. In fact, it felt just right-all cozy and warm. And in no time at all, Goldilocks fell fast asleep. In a little while, the three bears came back from their walk in the forest. They saw at once that someone had pushed open the door of their house, and Father Bear looked around then roared with a growly voice. “Somebody has been
sitting in my chair.” Mother Bear said in a quiet gentle voice, “Somebody has been sitting in my chair.” Then Little Bear said in small squeaky baby voice, “Somebody has been sitting in my chair and has broken it!” Then Father Bear looked at his bowl of porridge and saw the spoon in it, and he said in his great big growly voice, “ Somebody has been eating my porridge! ” Then Mother Bear saw that her bowl and a spoon in it and said in her quiet voice, “Somebody has been eating my porridge.” Little Bear looked at his porridge bowl and said in his small squeaky baby voice, “Somebody has been eating my porridge and has eaten it all up.” Then the three bears went upstairs, and Father Bear saw at once that his bed was untidy, and he said in his great big growly voice, “ Somebody has been sleeping in my bed! ” Mother Bear saw that her bed too had the bedding turned back, and she said in her quiet gentle voice, “Somebody has been sleeping in my bed!” Then Little Bear looked at his bed and said in his small squeaky baby voice, “Somebody is sleeping in my bed!” He squeaked so loudly that Goldilocks woke up with a start. She jumped out of bed and away she ran, down the stairs and out into the forest. And the three bears never saw her again.
*****
The moral of the story: stealing always results in fear and getting caught.
You shall not steal. (Exodus 20:15 NIV)
Chapter 8
The Rooster and the Fox⁷
Retold by I’Kallu Judah-Judah
One bright evening, as the sun was sinking on a glorious world, a wise old rooster flew into a tree to roost. Before he composed himself to rest, he flapped his wings three times and crowed loudly. But just as he was about to put his head under his wing, his beady eyes caught a flash of red and a glimpse of a long pointed nose, and there just below him stood Master Fox. “Have you heard the wonderful news?” cried the fox in a very joyful and excited manner. “What news?” asked the rooster very calmly. But he had a queer, fluttery feeling inside him for you know, he was very much afraid of the fox. “Your family and mine and all other animals have agreed to forget their differences and live in peace and friendship from now on and forever. Just think of it! I simply cannot wait to embrace you! Do come down, dear friend, and let us celebrate the joyful event.” “How grand!” said the rooster. “I certainly am delighted at the news.” But he spoke in an absent way, and he was stretching up on tiptoes, seemed to be looking at something far off. “What is it you see?” asked the fox a little anxiously. “Why it looks to me like a couple of dogs coming this way? They must have heard the good news and” But the fox did not wait to hear more. Off he started on a run. “Wait,” cried the rooster. “Why do you run? The dogs are friends of yours now!” “Yes,” answered the fox. “But they might not have heard the news. Besides, I have a very important errand that I had almost forgotten about.” The rooster smiled as he buried his head in his feathers and went to sleep for he had succeeded in outwitting a very crafty enemy.
*****
The moral of the story: beware of interested friendships.
Dear children, do not let anyone lead you astray… (1 John 3:7 NIV)
The Children’s Bible
Chapter 9
The Creation⁸
Retold by I’Kallu Judah-Judah
In the beginning before time, our world had no form. It was an empty place. Darkness covered the earth and the deep. But God in his Spirit moved to-and-fro over it all. God commanded light, and the light appeared. He separated the light from darkness and named the light “day” and named the darkness “night,” and they moved in God’s order, and there was evening and morning the first day. It was the second day. God commanded, and he said, “Let there be a dispersion of waters from waters.” Then God separated the water under the dispersion from the water above. God named the water above “sky.” It was the third day. God commanded, and he said to the water under the sky “to gather in one place so dry ground can appear,” and the mass of water moved to one side and dry ground appeared. God named the dry ground “land” and named the gathered waters “seas.” Then God said to the land, “Produce trees, plants, and fruit of many kinds,” and it was so good in all its beauty and wonder. God saw it so. It was the fourth day. God commanded, and he said, “Let there be lights in the dispersion of the sky.” Then he made the lights to separate day from night and made them to be signs for seasons and days and years, and they gave light on the earth. God made two great governor lights-a greater light for day and a lesser light for night. It was the fifth day. God commanded, and he said, “Let the water be greatly filled with living creatures of every kind, large and small, and birds to fly above the earth and across the great dispersed sky.” Next, God blessed the creatures, and he said, “Be fruitful, multiply in number, creatures in the water and birds on the earth.” It was the sixth day. God commanded, and he said to the land, “Produce living creatures of every kind and the wild animals.” Then God said, “Let us make man in our image and our likeness to rule over all creatures and over all the earth.” Man and female God created in his own image. God blessed them, and he said, “Be fruitful and multiply in number to fill the
earth, subdue and rule over all things on the earth and in the sky.” God made it so good. God saw it so. It was the seventh day. God had completed his vast creation. So God blessed the seventh day and made it holy, and he rested from all of his work of creating. Amen.
*****
The moral of the story: God created all things by and for his glory.
In the beginning God created the Heavens and the earth. (Genesis 1:1 NIV)
Chapter 10
The Birth of Jesus
Retold by I’Kallu Judah-Judah
In a little town in Galilee called Nazareth lived a young devout peasant girl who was engaged to Joseph, from the family of Judah and King David. She was highly favored by God but was not aware of this until one day, she had a visitor who told her what God thought of her. Gabriel, an angel sent by God, went to her and said, “Greetings, you are highly favored! Because the Lord is with you.” Mary was troubled and did not understand what he meant. But Gabriel said, “Don’t be afraid. You have a favor with God and will have a child, a son that you are to name him Jesus. He will be great and called the Son of the Most High, and he will reign forever. This will be of the power of the Most High. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God.” Mary felt joyful and trusted and said, “I am the Lord’s servant and will accept God’s will.” Now Joseph, from the line of King David, went with Mary, his fiancée, who now is expecting a child, to Bethlehem to for the first census. While they were there, Mary gave birth to her firstborn-a son named Jesus. She wrapped him in cloths and lay him in a manger. Shepherds, angels in the heavens, and wise men from the east, all at certain times, came to worship Jesus the Savior, born Christ the Lord, and there appeared a great company of the heavenly host praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests.”
*****
The moral of the story: God’s favor and purpose for us is greater than our thoughts.
But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, you have found favor with God. You will be with child and give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus.” (Luke 1:30–31 NIV)
Chapter 11
Jesus’s Sermon on the Mount—the Beatitudes¹
Retold by I’Kallu Judah-Judah
Jesus saw the multitude of people from across the region following him and went up from the lake and up on a mountain, and his disciples came to him. Jesus began to teach about the ideal character and principles of being his disciple, those who follow Christ, saying: “Blessed, well-being and spiritual joy to those who are poor in spirit. They, the lowly, will receive grace, the kingdom of heaven. “Blessed, well-being and spiritual joy to those who mourn. They, the godly sorrowful, will be consoled. “Blessed, well-being and spiritual joy to the meek. They, the humble, will receive the new promised land and will inherit the earth. “Blessed, well-being and spiritual joy to those who hunger and thirst for righteousness. They, the seekers of God, shall be satisfied. “Blessed, well-being and spiritual joy to those who are merciful. They, who show pity, will receive God’s pity. They will be shown mercy. “Blessed, well-being and spiritual joy to those who are pure in heart. They, of a clean mind and emotions, will abide with God, see God. “Blessed, well-being and spiritual joy to those who are peacemakers. They, who are calm and friendly in the holiest sense, will be called sons of God. “Blessed, well-being and spiritual joy to those who are persecuted because of righteousness. They, who are tormented because of their relationship with God, will live with God. Theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”
*****
Moral of the story: attitude determines one’s altitude.
You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salt again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled by men. (Matthew 5:13 NIV)
Chapter 12
Jesus’s Crucifixion and Resurrection¹¹
Retold by I’Kallu Judah-Judah
Pilate, after finding no fault in Jesus, gave in to the unruly mob and their religious leaders and turned Jesus over to be crucified. The Roman government crucified the troublesome and criminals in their day. When they came to the place called the skull, Golgotha, there they crucified him, along with the criminals-one on his right, the other on his left. Jesus said, “Father, forgive them for they know not what they are doing.” Then they divided up his clothes by casting lots. People watched and even made fun of Jesus with mean words and ridicule. The soldiers even tormented him. One of the criminals who was also being crucified even insulted Jesus, but the other one believed in Jesus. To the one who believed him, Jesus said, “I tell you the truth. Today you will be with me in paradise.” The whole land became pitch dark for hours, and the drapes in the temple were torn in two from top to bottom, even though no man did it. Jesus called out in a loud voice, “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.” When he had said this, he breathed his last. One of the soldiers who saw what happened praised God and said, “Surely this was a righteous man.” Seeing what happened, all the people went away ashamed and fearful of what they had seen and done. Early in the morning on the third day after Jesus died, on the first day of the week, as was their custom, women came with spices to Jesus’s tomb but found the stone rolled away and Jesus’s body was gone. They were all in great shock and filled with fright.
Suddenly, two angels appeared to them and said, “Why do you seek the living among the dead? He is not here. He has risen!” Jesus’s disciples were in hiding talking about this. Jesus appeared among them and spoke to them. Later, when he led them out to Bethany while he blessed them, he left them and was taken up into heaven.
*****
Moral of the story: God so loved us.
For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. (John 3:16 NIV)
Daddy Bonus
Chapter 13
Twelve Pairs¹²
A riddle retold by I’Kallu Judah-Judah
Twelve pairs hanging high. Twelve men came riding by. Each reached up and took a pair. And left eleven hanging there.
*****
The answer: “Each” was the name of one of the men.
Chapter 14
The Pony Leg
Daddy should sit in a comfortable seat where his legs can be positioned in a bending and stretching position. The child should be first placed on the daddy’s knee while in the upright bent position while facing away from Daddy. Daddy should place a firm but gentle hold on the belt or pants of the child at the lower back. Daddy should begin a gentle bounce of the child as to simulate the child up and down bouncing as if on a pony. The ride can intensify based on the age of the child but not to the level of harm or discomfort. While the child is enjoying the ride and is shown confidence, the daddy should add the following variation. Daddy should add wobble or side-to-side movement of the knee for a more challenging but fun ride. Daddy should stretch out the riding knee to a straight leg and back to bent to simulate a rodeo ride. Have fun until each are having completed enjoying the moment.
Chapter 15
The Grandpa/Daddy Swing
Daddy should stand upright in a safe and clear area for space inside or outside. Daddy should invite the child to a daddy swing. Daddy should bend slightly at the waist to the sitting level of the child with both arms and hands cupped as a swing. Daddy should have the child sit on his hands where he can secure the child as if in a cupped hole. Daddy should secure the child with both hands and arms with the child’s arms and elbows resting over his. Daddy should simulate a swing movement with hand and arms firm but gently moving in the swing position. Daddy should give one to two low but good swings and one high swing with a simultaneous pause and lowering the child from the elevated position, bringing the child down softly to a standing position as if having jumped from a swing. You can be sure after the first experience that the child will make the request.
About the Author
I’Kallu Judah-Judah has an anointed call and joy on and in his life. His anointed call and first joy of his life is that he was called to the Gospel ministry at the age of nine and has served his call with ardent sacrifice and abandon for fifty-two years as a pastor, evangelist, author, professor, certified Christian counselor, and educator. He is the founder and president of the Albert Tibbs Evangelistic Association (ATEA) in Fort Bend County, Texas. He and Marilyn lead family and life conferences through their Marriage Builders, Love Worth Marrying, Love Worth Marriage, and Daddy’s Best conferences. The second joy of his life is Marilyn, the angel in his house and great gift from God. His wife of thirty-seven years calls him boobie. The third joy of his life are his children - Tenezia, Rissie, Rachel, Joshua, and Dinah-who call him daddy. The fourth joy of his life are his ten grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. ¹ Helen Florence Neloms 1967 ² Children’s Motivational Rally 1970 ³ John 10 (NIV) 1984 ⁴ Julius Lester, Uncle Remus: The Complete Tales (New York: Phyllis Fogelman Books, 1999). ⁵ Created Widget by Ino-Yasha Robert Southry 1837. Retold by Joseph Cundaul 1849. ⁷ Aesop’s Fables as told by Milo Winter 1919. ⁸ Genesis 1 and 2 (NIV) 1984. Luke 1 and 2 (NIV) 1984. ¹ Matthew 4 and 5 (NIV) 1984; The Pulpit Commentary, Vol. 15 Matthew. ¹¹ Luke 23 and 24 (NIV) 1984.
¹² Rosie Norton, 2017.
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