God's Holy Breath
| REVIEW BY |
| Julie K. Aageson |
God’s Holy Breath: An African story for children about life and death
Xlibris 2009
In God’s Holy Breath, author Olin Sletto and illustrator Ann Rezny create a beautiful picture of God’s presence in each of us. As the story unfolds, young and old readers will feel a reverence for the spirit of God that dwells in all living things.
Sletto describes the culture of the Gbaya people, who understand God’s presence as the breath of life. Children can hear how a Gbaya man responds to his grandchildren’s questions about death. “Grandfather,” they say, “tell us what happens when we die.” He tells them about omi—the breath of life—and Saa Omi, the Spirit that lives in us. God’s Spirit, their grandfather says, is the omi—the breath—in every living thing.
As Grandfather’s life comes to an end, the children hear that his omi, or breath, returns to Saa Omi, God’s Spirit, completing a circle of wholeness. Children also hear that a new baby, a new life, is filled with omi. The baby lives because it has omi, God’s Saa Omi, God’s Spirit.
American children can enjoy the Gbaya people’s rich understanding that life is breath given by God’s holy breath. Although the story is best suited for those 4 and older, adults wishing to share it with younger children can simply “tell” what is happening in words they can understand while pointing to the pictures. With older siblings in middle school, for example, try talking further about the meanings of God’s holy breath. Perhaps children and adults alike will find in God’s Holy Breath a dwelling place and a home for understanding God’s presence in all of us.
To order hardcover or softcover editions, contact Xlibris Corp. at 888-795-4274, visit www.Xlibris.com
Xlibris 2009
In God’s Holy Breath, author Olin Sletto and illustrator Ann Rezny create a beautiful picture of God’s presence in each of us. As the story unfolds, young and old readers will feel a reverence for the spirit of God that dwells in all living things.
Sletto describes the culture of the Gbaya people, who understand God’s presence as the breath of life. Children can hear how a Gbaya man responds to his grandchildren’s questions about death. “Grandfather,” they say, “tell us what happens when we die.” He tells them about omi—the breath of life—and Saa Omi, the Spirit that lives in us. God’s Spirit, their grandfather says, is the omi—the breath—in every living thing.As Grandfather’s life comes to an end, the children hear that his omi, or breath, returns to Saa Omi, God’s Spirit, completing a circle of wholeness. Children also hear that a new baby, a new life, is filled with omi. The baby lives because it has omi, God’s Saa Omi, God’s Spirit.
American children can enjoy the Gbaya people’s rich understanding that life is breath given by God’s holy breath. Although the story is best suited for those 4 and older, adults wishing to share it with younger children can simply “tell” what is happening in words they can understand while pointing to the pictures. With older siblings in middle school, for example, try talking further about the meanings of God’s holy breath. Perhaps children and adults alike will find in God’s Holy Breath a dwelling place and a home for understanding God’s presence in all of us.
To order hardcover or softcover editions, contact Xlibris Corp. at 888-795-4274, visit www.Xlibris.com
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