Faith-based Barbie?
Posted on August 27, 2008
Filed Under News Flash |
I’ve been working at Focus on the Family for some twenty years. I never cease to be amazed at how God has brought together some of the brightest and most talented people around under one roof. Whether they’re working in the correspondence department answering tough questions about family issues or are part of the warehouse team fulfilling request for resources with excellence, there’s a prevailing ministry-oriented heart reflected throughout.
It’s also been fun to follow the lives of “Focus Alumni” who, once their time with Focus ended, went on to develop exciting ministry opportunities of their own. John Eldredge, who served in our public policy division, is now well-known for his Wild at Heart book and ministry to men. Chuck Bolte, who created the Adventures in Odyssey series, is working with the Alliance Defense Fund to protect our religious freedoms. Greg Fast, who launched our Briargate Media team, has his own firm GFS Media which helps ministries sharpen and bring their message to the airwaves.
Then there’s Sandi Shelton, who served on our legal team. After Sandi left Focus, she had a passion to create a doll that might serve as a faith-based alternative to the American Girl and Barbie dolls. In light of the reaction to my recent post on the Barbie controversy, I thought this might be a good time to highlight Sandi’s work.
In short, Sandi founded Mission City Press, creators of the A Life of Faith line of historical dolls. Each doll, along with her accompanying series of short stories, highlight a different biblical principle and practical life lesson. For Millie Keith, it’s trusting God in life’s adventures; Laylie Colbert, it’s courageously seeking freedom; and for Violet Travilla, it’s serving the poor with compassion. I’m no expert in dolls, but I’d say these handcrafted dolls are a virtual work of art.
Last year, Sandi’s team expanded their line by rolling out the Faith and Friends series based upon more modern themes. In both cases, she’s created dolls with realistic body shapes and wardrobe styles that are fun, unique, and wholesome. With Christmas not far down the road (did I just say that?!), you may want to consider one of Sandi’s dolls for your little princess.
While I was sorry to see friends like John, Chuck, Greg and Sandi move on, I’m excited by what God is doing through their lives. I’m also encouraged that He continues to bring us talented men and women to serve on our staff.
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3 Responses to “Faith-based Barbie?”
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Jim Daly is the President of Focus on the Family. He has been married to his wife, Jean, since 1986. They have two sons. The Daly family resides in Colorado Springs. Finding Home represents Jim's musings on work, family and faith.
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I love that there are some Christian and faith-based toys out there. My frustration is with how expensive they are. Even jewelry for teens is quite spendy. I would love to see more family pricing for these items. In fact, how come all Christian merchandise seems to be spendier? I’m just wonderin… (I realize you aren’t the manufacturer - just vocalizing here)
I agree with you Dionna, the prices are typically higher–I get it that they have to be higher because they aren’t making a gazillion of them (like those folks who sell through Wal-Mart), but it’s still frustrating. That’s why I was so relieved when I discovered Faith & Friends. Which I did before I even read Jim’s article. Faith and Friends dolls are not only reasonably priced (just $29.99/ea) but are a super value–the quality of these dolls far exceeds any competition. And the accessories are extremely reasonable and high quality. Be sure to check them out–you’ll be glad you did.
Personally I do not see the difference between a “Christian” doll and any other toy except the higher price tag. As a parent we want to shelter our children, teach them, and give them a strong foundation. But, they also need to know that as a Christian they will be in the world, working and learning to keep their faith in a world that may not agree with them. They will have to apply their faith in world that grew up on MTV and Barbies.
In my opinion we have become too sheltered, we have our own gathering places, camps, music, books, entertainment, radio, TV, and toys.
Our local Christian book store is 90% merchandise and Christian romance novels and 10% actual meaningful books to build and instruct.
The fact is instead of being salt and light we are just another market segment for toy makers and businesses all to ready to create our own little Christian reality.