adapted from Genesis 17:15-27, 21:1-21 by Lisa Brock

Dear Mother:

I just wanted to write and share the good news about your grandson Ishmael. Abraham’s God said Ishmael will be the father of 12 rulers and he will be given a great nation. Ishmael is already 13, so in just a few years he’ll have a kingdom of his own. Isn’t it wonderful?

The Lord gave this news to Abraham a few days ago. I have some doubts though, because at the same time, God told Abraham his first wife, Sarah, would soon have a son. That’s a laugh! She’s 90 years old! How can she possibly have a child?

I will write again soon to let you know how your blessed grandson is doing!

Love,
Hagar

Dear Mother:

Well, Abraham’s God must be great, because Sarah just had a son. His name is Isaac, and according to Abraham, God will bless him even more than Ishmael. I’m worried that Ishmael will fall out of favor with God and with Abraham because of this new baby boy.

When Isaac was born, Sarah said, “God has brought me laughter, and everyone who hears about this will laugh with me.” But I’m not laughing. What will happen to Ishmael, who is, after all, Abraham’s first son? Shouldn’t he be the one who receives all the blessings?

And what will happen to me? Perhaps I will visit soon to cheer myself up.

Love,
Hagar

Dear Mother:

Yesterday there was a great feast for Isaac. He is 2 years old, so Abraham threw a wonderful party. Ishmael’s feelings were hurt, because his father only pays attention to his little son. Ishmael looks almost like a grown man, but inside he’s still a boy with a tender heart. He did not behave well at the party.

Now Abraham has asked us to leave his house. Sarah is angry about Ishmael’s behavior. Where will we go? What will we do? Abraham gave me some food and water and told me God would still make Ishmael a king, but how will we survive?

I will write again later to let you know where we have gone. But in case we never see each other again, I want you to know that I love you, Mother. I hope I can be as good a mother to Ishmael as you have been to me.

Love,
Hagar

Dear Mother:

A wonderful thing happened! God spoke to me! I was wandering in the desert of Beersheba, wondering what to do, when we ran out of water. I placed Ishmael under a bush. I couldn’t bear to watch him die. Then I sat down a bow’s shot away and began to weep.

But God heard my crying. His angel came to tell me He would still give Ishmael a great nation and He would take care of us. Then the Lord showed me a well of water. The desert is so hot, and we were so thirsty. The water was the most delicious I’ve ever had!

Now I know Ishmael and I will be safe. Even though Ishmael no longer has Abraham to act as his father, his heavenly Father will take care of him and me.

Love,
Hagar

Dear Mother:

You should see Ishmael. He’s almost a man now. He has become a great archer and a strong warrior—just as God promised. The Lord has taken care of us. I can tell Ishmael will be a great king. He is very wise, though a bit hot-tempered, and others follow his words. He is very handsome, too.

God has been so good to us, Mother. He has kept all His promises. And even though Abraham has not watched his son grow up, God has shown He loves Ishmael even more than Abraham ever could.

I will write soon! I’m sure I’ll have good news to tell you before long. God is doing great things for us.

Love,
Hagar

	Q: Where do bees go after they get married? A: On a honeymoon. Abby B., 10, Massachusetts Clubhouse Jr. Click here to subscribe