As A Child © Children can be so simplistic, so naïve. They trust what has been laid out before them. Imagine adults using that kind of child-like transparency in their faith. What would happen? Imagine the possibilities! Key words: innocence trust faith belief confidence child Cast: The bulk of this drama is a monologue, however there are a variety of male and female voices used in the recorded sound clips. The actor could be male or female, any age. Lighting: If available, a spotlight should be on the actor at all times. If a spot is unavailable, then regular lights are all that is necessary. Costume: Standard clothing. Set/Props: No particular set necessary, however, actor will need a television remote and a chair. Sound: The actor should be wearing a lapel microphone, if available. Arrange for either sound recordings or offstage voices for the TV sound clips.
Spotlight comes up to reveal an empty stage, except for a chair at center stage. There is a TV remote on the seat of the chair. Actor enters stage, picks up the remote, and sits down in the chair. When he raises his arm and points the remote to the imaginary TV, (which should be “located” downstage right), the sound clips should come on. Be sure actor knows to time the sound clips, as he will “change channels” and begin a new clip as required in the script. Sound clip #1:
. . . and it looks like more trouble for Dr. Adam Woodbury as many of his patients are considering filing lawsuits against the longtime doctor. It appears his patients are questioning the methods that Woodbury has practiced for over 30 years. While the legal battle continues . . .
Actor, visibly frustrated, “changes” channel. Sound clip #2:
. . . so far two parents have decided to remain in the classroom while class is in session, monitoring the teacher’s methods. Many students feel their parents are going too far, while school board officials, officially at least, welcome the parental interaction.
Actor “changes” channel. Sound clip #3:
. . . all I can say is that I just want to warn everyone not to trust anyone! I mean, everyone is out for number one, and don’t think you are somehow going to get something even slightly worthwhile without paying a huge price! People! Wake up and smell the coffee!
In extreme frustration, actor “turns off” the TV and throws the remote on the chair. He walks to downstage center as he gathers his thoughts. Actor:
(Frustrated.) This is getting ridiculous! What are we coming to? A world where we are taught not to see good in people, but to judge them first? Pre-judge? We seem to jump at the chance to crucify someone for their wrongdoings without giving them a chance to defend themselves! Ridiculous! Why can’t we trust anymore? What has happened to our basic trust? We live in a society where we are taught to question, doubt and be suspicious, rather than to absorb, trust and understand. Those who don’t raise questions are labeled as irresponsible, uncaring! I’m not saying I shouldn’t be on guard, watchful, but is it necessarily irresponsible when I am trusting qualified people with my best interests? Isn’t that what they are there for? (Sighing.) Oh, to be a kid again, you know? We never had any cares or concerns. We just simply trusted. I remember the first time I jumped off the edge of the swimming pool. I looked out and there was my Dad, waiting for me, his arms outstretched. There was never a doubt in my mind he would catch me. I knew that if I just held out my arms, I would be just fine. Now that’s trust – pure trust. Oh I can hear them now! “That kind of blind trust can lead you down a slippery slope!” Yes it can, if left to itself. That’s why we need a guidebook, somewhere to measure people and groups against an acceptable norm. Children of all ages need a guidebook. I have mine, (pick up Bible), and I find it keeps me in step. It wouldn’t be all bad to trust like a child, would it? Sure, some would call trust ‘simplistic’, others would label it ‘naïve’. But you know what? God calls it faith. If we could get past clouding the issues with doubts and questions, and just go on pure faith, imagine what we could do!
What a comforting feeling to know that when we don’t understand, God does. When life doesn’t make sense, God does. If we would only just Page 2 As A Child © Copyright DramaShare ® 2001
believe, just rely, just depend, just (pause) trust. It’s so simple. What was that statement from the Bible? “Come as a child”. Can you remember seeing a little child approaching someone? Little crooked grin on the face. Excitement in the eyes. Just a hint of reserve there, waiting for the signal which will tell the child that all is right, come ahead, or, maybe better back off from this. But through it all, the openness, the anticipation is there, strong. “Come as a child”. The disciples were arguing among themselves as to who would be the greatest in the kingdom of God. And Jesus, as was His habit, rather than scold them, spoke in ways that even adults could understand, He brought it to the level of a child. Jesus said, “unless you change and become like little children”. We adults choose to believe this means unquestioning innocence, and, to a degree it is. But it is more; much more. ” . . . like little children” means dependence and humility. Little children have little to bring, they realize their dependence on parents and those older than themselves, and this creates healthy humility. But, children of “good” parents have an inner satisfaction in the fact that they have nothing to fear in “coming”, in approaching their parents. They have a high comfort level that their needs and best interests will be respected and fulfilled. ”Come as a child.” Oh, if only I was able to drop my meaningless and counterproductive skepticism and instead take hold of the gift of open, anticipatory transparency, heightened by humility and hope. ”Come as a child.” picks up remote, looks at it, smiles I need to live in the world, but I can choose not to take on the trappings of the world; things like skepticism, doubt, and even fear. ”Come as a child.” Jesus said, “unless you change and become as a child. . . .” He didn’t say “unless you can change and become as a child”. So God knows that change is totally possible, definitely doable. Page 3 As A Child © Copyright DramaShare ® 2001
Tell you what, I intend to be vigilant, that’s only smart. But I know I can be vigilant while at the same time having a Godly sense of childlike openness, humility and expectation. Bring on the world! This child has a Father who made him a survivor! Actor smiles, and slowly exits stage left. Spotlight slowly fades.
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