Elizabeth Prentiss’ Little Threads is a tale of dramatic contrasts. Tangle Thread is thoroughly disobedient and dishonoring to her parents. She is proud, self-willed, and never repents. Golden Thread, on the other hand, is characterized by kindness, obedience, humility, and a servant’s heart. The behavior of Tangle Thread and Golden Thread produce very different results in their lives. Will Tangle Thread ever change? Will she ever submit to her parents’ instruction and discipline? Tangle Thread believes she can change whenever she wants to. But in time, she realizes that it is only Jesus who can change our hearts. Apart from Him, we can do nothing. Through the faithful teaching of her mother, and through providential trials, Tangle Thread begins to change. She puts her trust in the Savior. She also learns the blessings of obedience, even as she still struggles to put off her old ways. Children reading or listening to this book will at times be shocked by just how bad Tangle Thread is. But then they will also see an occasional reflection of themselves and bereminded that they too need the Savior. “This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am chief.”(1 Tim. 1:15). Included in this special edition of Little Threads are Scripture passages for reflection at the end of each chapter to foster discussion and application in the family.
