Several years ago, I painted a young colt standing beside his mother.
As I painted, I found myself reflecting on God's creation and how every living thing has a purpose. Looking at the gentle young colt, I wondered what his name might be.
The name Elroi came to me.
At the time, I didn't understand its significance. Later, I discovered the biblical meaning of El Roi:
The God Who Sees Me. (Genesis 16:13)
Those words stayed with me.
As I looked at the painting, I began to wonder about the young colt that carried Jesus into Jerusalem. Perhaps he, too, was an ordinary colt chosen for an extraordinary purpose.
In my heart, I imagined him being called Elroi.
A colt seen by God.
A colt chosen for a purpose greater
than he could have imagined.
From that simple thought, the story of Elroi began.
Within a short time, much of the story flowed onto the page. What started as a painting became a children's picture book about friendship, belonging, courage and discovering that our value does not come from being like everyone else.
Elroi's journey is a gentle reminder that God sees us, knows us and created each of us with purpose.
I hope this story encourages children to know that they are seen, loved and wonderfully made.
Julie-Anne Powell
Polly Kettle Books