Helen Keller
—Girl's Day
—Seeing
Her Wonderful Experience Furnishes an Inspiring Thought for Girls' Day.
THE LESSON—That our physical eyes cannot reveal to us the precious gifts of God; only our spiritual eyes can tell us of His loving kindness.
Helen Keller's wondrous life is full of inspiration, and a study of it will provide the conscientious teacher with m
The Talk.
"It happens very often that two people look at the same thing at the same time, and each of the two sees something entirely different from the other. Somebody has described the optimist as the man who sees the doughnut, while the pessimist sees nothing but the hole. So, also, you and I might see before us nothing but an unshapely block of marble, while the sculptor would see the angel in the stone!
"All of this proves to us that what we see doesn't depend upon our eyesight, but upon the mind which is back of the eyesight and which receives the impressions not only through the eyes but through the senses of hearing, tasting, smelling and feeling. In fact, our eyes and our ears may be tightly closed—we may be totally deaf and blind—and still we may be able to 'see' things more clearly than we might with our eyesight and our hearing.
"We have all heard about Helen Keller, the deaf and blind girl. I will draw an outline of her portrait. [Draw Fig. 124, with eye closed, complete.]
"This young woman has been deprived of her eyesight and hearing ever since she was a young child, and yet her ability to learn, to comprehend, to understand, to really 'see,' is developed to such a high degree that she is advanced far beyond most well-educated people who possess all of their natural faculties.
"Helen Keller, now grown to womanhood, has written many wonderful things. Here is one of them: 'It does not matter where we are, so long as we have light in our hearts and make our dark ways ring with the music of burdens cheerfully borne and tasks bravely filled. They say life is a closed book to me. One critic doubted that I could feel the sun, and I believe he thought others felt it for me. But if, indeed, I had so little share as that in the life of others, it would still be true that
"'The least flower with brimming cup may stand
And share its dewdrops with another near.'
"Truly, the eyes of Helen Keller are widely opened to the great truths and wonderful beauties around her—[change lines of the eye slightly, completing Fig. 125]—whereas, the eyes of many of us which are supposed to be wide open, are indeed closed to many of God's blessings. Many of us have eyes to see with, but we use them only to look with. Helen Keller has seen more and done more without eyes than thousands who have perfect eyes, but have never learned to use them.
"Helen Keller should be an inspiration to every girl here today. Learn from her life the great principles of true living.
"Let us first ask the question, 'How did she reach the high place to which she has been able to attain?' She must have had help. Yes, she did have help. It came chiefly through a dear friend, Miss Sullivan, who, through patient years, sent the light into the darkness which enveloped the poor deaf and blind girl. And listen:
"Never, during those years of patient endeavor, did Miss Sullivan allow Helen Keller to receive a wrong impression of things about her.
"Stop a moment and think what all that means! Nothing came into the life of the girl but clear, certain truth. The false, the unlovely, the hideous, the deceitful, the unreal, never came in to distort her view while she was a child, and so, when she later learned of the sadder side of life, through her extensive reading, she was well prepared to sympathize with those whose youth was not so well favored as her own. Let us be careful in helping to shape the lives of the children, never to leave with them a wrong impression which may require a lifetime to remove from their minds.
"'It must be,' says Helen Keller, 'that when the Lord took from me one faculty, He gave me another, which is in no way impossible. I think of the beautiful Italian proverb, 'When God shuts a door, he opens a window.'
"Truly, God has opened a window to let in the sunshine of His love and care, and this blind girl is one of His brightest children.
"What an example to the world is Helen Keller! What an example to every girl who has heard of her great success. Up with a monument to her memory! Build it high and strong! She has shown the world how difficulties can be overcome by determination and perseverance, and to what rugged, lofty heights one may attain, even though he carry the heaviest of burdens!"
More
-
"a Merry Heart"
—Cheerfulness<br /> —Smiles <hr /> <p>To Cultivate the Spirit of Cheerfulness is to Bless and Brighten Other Lives.</p> <hr /> <p>THE LESSON—That in no way can we serve those about us better than by the kind of service which ... "johnnie Appleseed"
—Boys' Day<br /> —Devotion <hr /> <p>Story of the Man Who Braved the Dangers of the Wilderness to Bless the Early Settlers.</p> <hr /> <p>THE LESSON—That the influence of a well-spent life is its best and most enduring monume... A Busy Life
—Pluck and Luck<br /> —Industry <hr /> <p>A Plucky American Boy Whom the Whole World Delights to Honor.</p> <hr /> <p>THE LESSON—That pluck and perseverance and a "Try—Try—Again" Spirit can laugh at obs... A Firm Foundation
—Lincoln's Birthday<br /> —Fortitude <hr /> <p>The Secret of Lincoln's Steadfastness in the Midst of Tremendous Trials.</p> <hr /> <p>THE LESSON—That the Bible teaching of childhood fortifies manhood.</p> <hr /> <p>If it is ... A Strange Old Epitaph
—Narrowness<br> —Broadness <hr> <p>A Talk to Boys Concerning the Narrow Life and the Broad Life—A Contrast.</p> <hr> <p>THE LESSON—That it is all wrong to be satisfied to be a Mr. Nobody. Do your best and be a Mr. Someb... Bring Forth Fruit
—Children's Day<br> —Fruitfulness <hr> <p>A Children's Day Thought for the Entire School—The Live Branch.</p> <hr> <p>THE LESSON—That as the fruit tree fulfills its mission only when surrounded by proper conditions, so,... Christopher Columbus
—Prayer<br /> —Faith <hr /> <p>Although He Died Believing His Mission Had Failed, His Prayer Was More Than Answered.</p> <hr /> <p>THE LESSON—That "the effectual, fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much."</p... Easter Lilies
—Easter<br /> —Resurrection <hr /> <p>Their Introduction into America has Spread Perfume and Beauty Everywhere.</p> <hr /> <p>THE LESSON—That, like the lily, Christ gave up His life that His followers should multiply in the e... Equipment And Materials
<p>The necessary equipment and materials for the work include the drawing board, the drawing paper and the chalk (or lecture crayons).</p> <h3>The Drawing Board.</h3> <p>Probably your school has a reversible blackboard mounted on an easel, like th... Evolution Of The Jug
—Temperance Day<br /> —Slavery <hr /> <p>While Strong Drink Makes "Poverty and Rags," the Pure Life Brings Earthly Prosperity.</p> <hr /> <p>THE LESSON—That intemperance is the chief cause of the world's poverty and... Flying
—Perseverance<br> —Courage <hr> <p>The Aeroplane Illustrates the Necessity of Going Forward Constantly.</p> <hr> <p>THE LESSON—That a life, if it is to progress, must not falter at difficulties, but push steadily forward.</p>... Helen Keller
—Girl's Day<br> —Seeing <hr> <p>Her Wonderful Experience Furnishes an Inspiring Thought for Girls' Day.</p> <hr> <p>THE LESSON—That our physical eyes cannot reveal to us the precious gifts of God; only our spiritual eyes can ... Hidden Sunshine
—Missionary Day<br /> —Love <hr /> <p>How the Warmth and Brightness Stored Away Ages Ago Are Now of Service to Man.</p> <hr /> <p>THE LESSON—That the true missionary spirit is the spreading abroad of the warmth of God's bless... If Washington Lived Today
—Washington's Birthday<br /> —Character <hr /> <p>The Principles Which Underlie Success Are the Same at All Times.</p> <hr /> <p>THE LESSON—That true success will attend those who found their lives on the principles which gove... Introduction
<h3>The Plan of the Book.</h3> <p>In the preparation of this book the author has had two great plans in mind:</p> <p>To prepare a work which will enable <em>any person, who can speak to a class or an audience, to give a helpful, inspiring illustrated... Jennie Casseday
—Children's Day<br /> —Service <hr /> <p>A Children's Day Story of What One Girl Did to Make Others Happy.</p> <hr /> <p>THE LESSON—That one little act may multiply to bless countless thousands.</p> <hr /> <p>The story of J... Messages To The Children
—Cradle Roll Day<br> —Children <hr> <p>The Scriptures Are Full of Beautiful Thoughts for Cradle Roll Day.</p> <hr> <p>THE LESSON—That God loves a baby; that both the Father and the Son, through their recorded words, constantl... Mother
—Mother's Day<br /> —Home Training <hr /> <p>The Great Men of the World Pay Her the Highest of Tribute—A Carnation Day Thought.</p> <hr /> <p>THE LESSON—That the welfare of the church and of the home rests more with the... New Year's Resolutions
—New Year's Day<br /> —Watchfulness <hr /> <p>Most of Them May be Rolled into One—"Hold Fast to That Which Is Good."</p> <hr /> <p>THE LESSON—That the positive life, rather than the negative life, knows true h... Our Country's Flag
—Flag Day<br> —Patriotism <hr> <p>A Little of its History and of its Meaning—Some Interesting Facts.</p> <hr> <p>THE LESSON—That loyalty to the flag means the fulfillment of duty to God and to our fellowmen.</p> <hr> ... Our Hands
—Visitors' Day<br> —Conduct <hr> <p>Actions Sometimes Speak Plainer Than Words—The Important Part Which Our Hands Play.</p> <hr> <p>THE LESSON—That we should watch carefully "the work of our hands."</p> <hr> <p>This c... Preparing To Give The Talk
<p>The instructions here given are for the beginner. Others will follow their accustomed methods. In our introduction we make the claim that any earnest Christian worker, who is capable of addressing an audience or a Sunday school class can, by the aid... Public Sentiment
—Home Department Day<br /> —Unity <hr /> <hr /> <p>THE LESSON—That the earnest prayers and work of the stay-at-home members are a great inspiration to the active workers in the school.</p> <hr /> <p>Home Department Day in t... Reflecting And Blessing
—Helpfulness<br /> —Testimony <hr /> <p>Those Who Are "The Light of the World" Should be a Guide to Those Who Are in Darkness.</p> <hr /> <p>THE LESSON—That those who have received the light from God's Word should g... Seedtime And Harvest
—Sowing<br /> —Reaping <hr /> <p>"Whatsoever a Man Soweth, That Shall He Also Reap."</p> <hr /> <p>THE LESSON—That the happiness or the unhappiness of middle life and old age are the result of the thoughts and deeds ... The Blessedness Of Work
—Labor<br /> —Diligence <hr /> <p>The Truly Happy Life is the One Filled With Honest Employment.</p> <hr /> <p>THE LESSON—That in childhood and youth we should train ourselves to work.</p> <hr /> <p>Work is the keynote of th... The Brook
—Gossip<br /> —Our Words <hr /> <p>The Life Which is Tainted by the Habit of Speaking Unkind Words Falls Short of Its Highest Mission.</p> <hr /> <p>THE LESSON—That the subtle practice of speaking carelessly concerning other ... The Burned Book
—Patience<br> —Adversity <hr> <p>How Thomas Carlyle's Work of Many Years Was Destroyed in a Few Seconds.</p> <hr> <p>THE LESSON—That there is such a thing as success through patience, and that the Christian should so live tha... The Christ-child
—Christmas<br /> —Giving <hr /> <p>A Lesson From the Story of the Shepherds and the Wise Men.</p> <hr /> <p>THE LESSON—That the Light that was shed when the Christ-Child came to earth now brightens the farthest corners of the ... The Christmas Stockings
—Christmas<br /> —The Needy <hr /> <p>It Is Well to Remember the Poor at Christmas, but it is Infinitely Better to Be a True Friend Every Day.</p> <hr /> <p>THE LESSON—That the true Christmas spirit is that which causes us ... The Cigarette Face
<br /> <p>A Unique Presentation of a Truth Important to Every Child and Youth.</p> <hr /> <p>THE LESSON—That Indulgence in injurious habits undermines the moral and physical structure and is a barrier to true success.</p> <hr /> <p>The chalk... The Cross
—Salvation<br /> —Repentance <hr /> <hr /> <p>THE LESSON—That a complete surrender to Christ is the only successful way to purify a sinful life.</p> <hr /> <p>This illustration, in varied form, has been used by speakers for ... The Deceitfulness Of Sin
—Sin<br /> —Allurement <hr /> <hr /> <p>THE LESSON—That sin gains its victims through the most alluring deception.</p> <hr /> <p>This illustration should prove valuable in presenting to the minds of boys of all ages the tru... The Desert And The Mountain
—Decision Day<br /> —Conversion <hr /> <hr /> <p>THE LESSON—That as the desert cannot become productive until it receives the waters of irrigation, so the arid soul, if it is to become fruitful, must receive the water of life... The Doorway
—Easter<br /> —Death <hr /> <p>The Resurrection of Christ the Hope of the World—An Easter Thought.</p> <hr /> <p>THE LESSON—That death is but the doorway between the earthly life and the heavenly life of the believer.</... The Fruits Of Riches
—Humility<br /> —Wealth <hr /> <p>If the Love of Gold Controls the Life Naught but Poverty of Soul Can Result.</p> <hr /> <p>THE LESSON—That while wealth, honestly earned, may be a blessing, the life devoted to the getting of... The Heart Of The Trouble
—Temperance Day<br /> —Sobriety <hr /> <p>A Temperance Talk in Acrostic—One Great Evil Power—Beware!</p> <hr /> <p>THE LESSON—That the deadly drink evil appears to its victims in the most alluring and deceptive for... The Hollow Tree
—Decision Day<br> —Honesty <hr> <p>A Figure of the Deceitful Life—The True Test of Character.</p> <hr> <p>THE LESSON—That stability or weakness of character are revealed when the supreme test comes.</p> <hr> <p>This le... The Keg And The Bucket
—Temperance Day<br /> —Purity <hr /> <p>A Temperance Talk Devoted to the Teaching of the Principles of Purity of Life.</p> <hr /> <p>THE LESSON—That water as a beverage stands for purity and blessing, while spirituous liquo... The Key To Failure
—Temperance Day<br /> —Appetite <hr /> <p>Strong Drink Opens the Gate to Destruction and Bars the Way to Success.</p> <hr /> <p>THE LESSON—That strong drink robs its victims of the ability to solve the problems of life.</p> ... The Little Ones
—Cradle Roll Day<br> —Teaching <hr> <p>A Word of Appreciation to the Parents on the Occasion of Cradle Roll Day.</p> <hr> <p>THE LESSON—That the proper early home training of children for Christ will save future heartaches an... The Man Who Finally Heard
—Kind Words<br> —The Tongue <hr> <p>The Restoration of His Hearing Brought to Him Pain as Well as Pleasure.</p> <hr> <p>THE LESSON—That we should guard well our tongues against speaking careless, useless or vulgar words.</p> ... The Mask
—Sincerity<br /> —Truth <hr /> <p>Let Us Ask Ourselves Earnestly if We Are Guilty of Wearing It.</p> <hr /> <p>THE LESSON—That the world honors and respects an honest man, one who does not fear the opinion of those about him.<... The Mountain Climber
—Light<br /> —Danger <hr /> <p>All Light, Shining in the Darkness, Is Either a Guide or a Warning.</p> <hr /> <p>THE LESSON—That the Bible sends out two kinds of light, guiding and warning, and that all who neglect it are gro... The Open Saloon Door
—Temperance Day<br /> —Destruction <hr /> <p>The Young Man Who Enters Therein Endangers His Whole After Life.</p> <hr /> <p>THE LESSON—That both the soul and the body are threatened with destruction by indulgence in strong dr... The Perfect Life
—Thanksgiving Day<br> —Perfection <hr> <p>The Love of God in Our Hearts May Be Perfect, Even Though Our Lives Fall Short of Perfection.</p> <hr> <p>THE LESSON—That if we "hunger and thirst after righteousness," as did the Pil... The Pilgrims
—Thanksgiving Day<br> —Bravery <hr> <p>The Story of Their Steadfastness of Faith is an Inspiring Study for Thanksgiving Day.</p> <hr> <p>THE LESSON—That the blessings for which we are thankful today have come through those wh...