The below story is excerpted from The Wit and Wisdom of Joe Brumbelow: Favorite Illustrations, Personal Stories, Humor, History, Folklore, and Lessons Learned from Over 50 Years in the Ministry. I believe the practical wisdom found in the pages of this book to be very beneficial for those engaged in ministry and heartily recommend it.

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Then, members of Doverside started a Bible club. They began the club in the pastor’s back yard that was at the back of the church property. Later they moved into the Fellowship Hall. Most of the children from the apartments were from broken homes. some had real behavioral problems. Discipline often was necessary. Sometimes a child or two had to be sent home.

One day, as the kids waited in line to go inside, Joe saw a little boy go over to a little girl and kick here in the leg so hard she fell to the ground in tears. Joe grabbed the little boy and gave him a talking to. He spoke so sternly, the boy began to cry. Joe, seeing his tears, then gave him a big hug. He told him that he loved him, but he could not allow that kind of behavior.

Another little fellow saw the first boy kick the girl. He saw the preacher grab him, shake him, and rebuke him. Then he saw the preacher give the boy a big hug and tell him that he loved him. “So help me,” Brother Joe said, “that little fellow went over and kicked the same girl. That second boy was saying, ‘I want to be loved, too. I want somebody to hug me, too.’ The preacher then went throught he same routine with the second boy. Joe said, “It was difficult on the little girl, but I got the message. Everyone out there needs someone to love them.”