Conversation with a child

The following conversation took place in my classroom.

C
I don't believe in God. I believe in the devil (devil spoken in 5 yr. old scary voice).
Me
Why don't you believe in God?
C
Because I want to be cool like the devil. He has horns.
Me
Does your mom know you don't believe in God?
C
She doesn't care. She doesn't believe in God either.
Me
Did she tell you that?
C
No. I'll give you two reasons. 1. She smokes.
Me
Well C, just because a person smokes doesn't mean they don't believe in God.
C
Number two, she's rude (rude spoken with conviction).
Me
Unfortunately C, some people who believe in God are rude. You need to ask your mom about God.
C
I'm not cool like the devil yet 'cause I'm afraid of the dark.
Me
Oh, God is the perfect person to help you with the dark.
C
Really? Hmmmm
Me
Yes, when you are alone and it's dark you can simply say, "God I'm afraid. Please help me."
C
I can?
Me
Yes.
C
Hmmm, I think I believe in God now.
Me
I'm so glad because the devil wants you to think he's cool but he's really bad.
C
Why do you think he has those cool horns?
Me
I don't know.

In the weeks that have followed we have had more of these conversations. Many begin with C saying, "I don't think I believe in God anymore." He is always easily shown that the reasons he doesn't believe are the reasons he needs God most. Then last week he came to me with this:

C
I don't believe in God.
Me
Why?
C
I'm mad at him.
Me
You can tell God you're mad at him. It won't make him angry. He wants to help you.
C
I can?
Me
Yes. Why are you mad at him?
C
Because my mom and my uncle got in a fight and my mom was crying. Then she left and left me and my baby sister home.
Me
I'm so sorry that happened. Was your uncle still home?
C
Yes.
Me
Were you scared?
C
Yes. Later she came home.
Me
God always hears us when we are frightened. What could you have said to God?
C
God I'm scared and my mom is sad.
Me
That's perfect. You could also ask him to keep you and S and your mom safe.
C
Okay. My uncle told me my mom is crazy.
Me
I'm sorry he said that to you. Grown-ups shouldn't talk to children like that.
C
Mmm...that's okay. My mom is crazy.

I will miss this precious child this summer.