In the valley of the fireflies a young and particularly small firefly lived with her mom in a beautiful area near the river. It was the young firefly’s dream to one day be strong enough to fly from the side of the river where she lived to the other side AND back! The mom supported her and encouraged her young firefly. But, she also warned her of the perils of the long flight as this was a wide river with big, bad toads which made their home in the middle of that river.

The young firefly knew it wouldn’t be easy, but this was her dream. Although small, she knew that if she planned and prepared she could make this happen!

The day came when the little firefly felt she was READY.  She let her mom know that the following morning she would be taking the long round trip flight to the other shore and back. Unfortunately, the little firefly didn’t cross the river that day.  Half way through her flight a toad got the best of her and threw her off course. The toad really hurt her! The firefly was forced to return home and make another attempt.

The next day came and the toad showed up again to hurt the little firefly. The firefly was not going to give up on her dream though and she told herself she would keep trying.

On the third attempt, when the firefly is almost to the other side of the river and thinking she will make it, the toad shows up again to hurt the little firefly. With assertiveness in her voice the firefly looks up at the ugly toad and says:

“Why do you keep hurting me? Why do you keep stopping me from making my dream come true?”

The toad replied: “Because you shine so brightly.”

Our worth and dignity is a God-given gift. It is one of the most precious gifts we receive at birth and it is ours to keep and protect forever … It is the light within us that will shine forever and it is what we will keep sacred from every toad.  

Fireflyworthy
…Forever shine