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Themes: God's Unconditional Love "Little Antelope Stafford?" "Here." A few chuckles went up from the class when the Indian boy's name was called. "John Taylor?" "Here." Little Antelope put his head down on his desk. Why did they always laugh at him? His mother had taught him to be proud that he was an Indian. She had told him exciting stories about Indians like Geronimo and Sitting Bull, who were brave and courageous. Right now in the classroom, Little Antelope wished that he could go home. Today was his second day of school. He wondered what would happen at lunchtime. He sighed as he reached for his math book. Yesterday's lunch hour had been horrible. Little Antelope had stood in line to go to the lunchroom with all the other children. When he reached the door, he felt his teacher's hand on his shoulder. As he turned to her, she said, "There is not enough room for you in the lunch room. you'll have to eat in the classroom, so go back to your desk." The math problem in the book in front of him faded as Little Antelope thought of how lonely he had been. The teacher had left the room and closed the door. He had been all alone in the room. No one wanted to eat with an Indian boy. Little Antelope's thoughts were interrupted by the lunch bell. He pulled his lunch bag from his desk and went to stand in line again. Just as he reached the door, he felt a hand grip his shoulder. The teacher was frowning; she pointed to his desk, slamming the door behind her. Once again, Little Antelope sat at his desk. He tried to eat, but found he couldn't swallow the food. The lump in his throat was too big. He began to cry, and he wished he could go home. When Little Antelope stepped off the bus that afternoon, he ran to hug his mother. She saw his tears, and remembered how schoolmates had laughed at her many years ago. She led her son into the kitchen. "Little Antelope", she began, "you are treated badly at school because you are an Indian. Some people think that Indians are not as good as white people, but that is not true. God made all of us, and He loves you as much as He loves everyone else." Little Antelope thought about that, and then smiled. It was good to know that God loved him the way he was, and that He sent His Son to die for him. Little Antelope's mother had taught him that there is no difference before God.
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Andrew Musch
