It's Just Not Ok

     Just recently I came across two videos & and a book that has ramped up my "it's just not okay" attitude regarding the orphan crisis.  As if I needed any more fuel on that particular flame!!  Good gravy, I'd bring 147 kids home right now if I had the physical space to do so. Every single time I look at my sweet boy, I just can't get over the miracle of who he is and how God put us together as a family; how much I adore him; how much he has grown and is thriving in a healthy home; the amazing plan God has for him and how he is already touching the lives of so many people...then I think of the millions of other precious ones still waiting for their forever families.  SOMETHING HAS TO BE DONE. It's. Just. Not. Ok.

      I've added the two videos below. I'll admit, the first one by Eric Ludy is pretty in your face. And...I'm okay with that. :) We should be wildly uncomfortable with 169million children in the world without families. That discomfort should move us to act quickly & compassionately. The second is a BEAUTIFUL new song by Audio Adrenaline. I broke down into tears in the car when I first heard it. These perfect children are the Kings & Queens in God's royal family. We need to care for them EXACTLY has Jesus would...pulling them into our arms and pushing all those away who would dare to block their access to God's heart.

    

Depraved Indifference by Eric Ludy

Kings & Queens by Audio Adrenaline

 

     It's not national adoption month or save the children day or anything like that. I'm just overwhelmed by the unique situation I am in to spread the word about caring for God's children. How can I share our story to help others to be as passionate about the orphan as God has called us to be?  To do something!  To get angry. To get involved. To do anything, but to DO. Not everyone has been called to adopt a child into their home, but everyone has been called to care for the orphan (James 1:27). The book I just finished is Orphan Justice by Johnny Carr and focuses on the Church's call to care for the orphan beyond adoption. Adoption is just one form of justice that God's promises to provide for His children (Deuteronomy 10:18). It's a heart-challenging read and I had to ask the Holy Spirit how to respond several times through the book. I HIGHLY recommend it to those who are seeking the Lord on how to get involved. Practical ideas for involvement on many levels are presented in every chapter: "No one can do everything, but everyone can do something" (I love that!!)
Here are some practical ideas from the book and a few extras:

• Ask God to give you a heart that breaks for the orphan.
• Pray with faith & righteous anger. FIGHT for God's justice to find these precious children.
• Give faithfully to an agency or ministry that is fighting to care for the world's orphaned and lonely.
• Support a adoptive family with finances and practical care.
• Open your heart and home to foster children.
• Support Royal Family Kids Camp (a week long loving camp for kids in state foster care).
• Build relationships with at-risk children in your church, area schools, and community.
• Seek out & build relationships with kids whose parents are incarcerated or absent.
• Start or support a Dream Center in your community.
• Become an active member of a special needs ministry in your church.
• Use your skills and resources to support families who have been called to adopt.
• Seek God's wisdom as to whether YOU are called to adopt.

     Isaac and I will be sharing our story this evening at Northwest Church's first Adoption & Foster Care Info Night. I am SOOO excited. I pray that this will be the first of many, MANY opportunities to share of God's incredible heart for His sweetest of children...one is my son.

photo courtesy of Cassandra Hamilton Photography