A DOLL IN THE ATTIC
When Love is Written on Our Hearts
Little did Marcella Gruelle know that a handmade doll she’d found in the attic would become an American classic, spanning more than a century. Marcella showed her find to her dad, John, who drew a smile on the red-headed toy that had once belonged to his grandmother. Raggedy Ann was born when John combined the title of two poems, “The Raggedy Man” and “Little Orphant Annie.”
Sadly, Raggedy Ann’s treasured friend, Marcella, passed away at age 14 from a contaminated needle delivering a smallpox vaccine. To honor his daughter, John, an artist and author, wrote children’s books with Marcella as the main character, along with her “mop-headed rag doll.” He believed children’s books should contain kindness, moral virtues. Through Raggedy Ann, he said,
“And you and anyone else can print the same magic words, I LOVE YOU, upon your hearts if you wish.”
To help book sales, John created a Raggedy Ann doll and placed it in a store window beside his book. Public demand for the doll led to its commercial production. From 1915 until today, Raggedy Ann has undergone a few changes. Notably, the words “I love you,” which were sown onto a cardboard heart, are now painted on her chest. However, John Gruelle’s inspiring message in his books and rag dolls have endured.
While many styles, dolls, cars, etc., achieve “classic” status, one book has eclipsed time and continually extols “I LOVE YOU.” In fact, every believer has found these words imprinted on their hearts. The main character existed before time began, came to Earth to offer Himself as a spotless sacrifice—to write I LOVE YOU on our hearts with His blood—rose again, and will soon return to make good on His promise (where I am, you will be forevermore. John 14:3).
If you’ve never read this classic book, The Bible, I want to encourage you to begin with Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John–all eye witness accounts filled with the Good News about Jesus. Let His love do in you what He says He’ll do.
I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly. (John 10:10b, NKJV)
I love the way you tied a father's love for his daughter and her beloved doll to our Lord's love for us and His message contained in His Word! Thank you so much for the reminder that Jesus has written "I love you" on our hearts. His love is greater than eternity.
And I thoroughly enjoyed learning the history of Raggedy Ann. I had one as a child. This makes me want to buy one for my grand daughters:)
Erma, oh how you touched my heart with your beautiful message. I can so clearly remember my little orphan Annie doll and how I loved her as a child! She reminded me of how marvelous it was to be a part of a Christian family with a loving mom and dad, older sister, and younger brother. My dad told me that when she came to live with us she was no longer an orphan because we shared God's love with her as if she was real. What wonderful childhood memories you stirred up for me. At 81, I have survived all of my treasured family members who have already gone to heaven. I would love to still have that little doll today! Thank you for your delightful, encouraging, and inspiring message. Amen! ❤ j @ Heart"wings"