Nitty Gritty Truth

I read this the other day and can't get it out of my head.

"I can't tell you how many times I have heard criticism about how our government handles the foster care system; and in all honesty, I've been the critic at times. But if we get down to the truth, the real nitty-gritty truth, it is not the government's job to care for the fatherless. It just isn't. The government isn't commissioned, the government isn't commanded, the government isn't equipped, and the government isn't empowered by the One who made it all to care for His children. The church is. We are the people that God has instructed to be different and to make a difference." Christie Erwin

The guilt of it -- I've been the critic
The truth of it -- The church is responsible
The relief of it -- I, and yes YOU, fellow Christian, have been
               commissioned, commanded, equipped and empowered by the ONE.

Hello!?! Are you being called? Are you being different and making a difference?

Maybe it's time to answer?

You don't have to tell me all the uncomfortable reasons you don't want to. I get that, I've been there. But the thing is, Derek and I haven't taken this path because we are capable and decked out with all that we need on our own because we aren't. But, joyfully, we have been made fully equipped and are daily (sometimes hourly) empowered by God, the creator of each child that He has placed in our home. What a freeing feeling.

Foster care is hard but don't quickly turn away because the truth of it makes you uncomfortable. If you're unsettled maybe there is a reason. Talk to us, we want to hear about it. I'll chat with you, a small group, an entire room. It's no secret that I feel strongly about foster care -- the bad stuff and the good. But I also feel strongly about my God who makes a way for families to love each child that he created. I'm praying now for the person God is calling to take up this mission with us.