“Another photograph to wrestle in my head…another sleepless night..these thoughts of you like bullets to my soul I’ve got to find a way to get you home…i hope you know there is somebody searching for the way to get you here…as angels hold you tight may you sleep in peace tonight so dream dream dream my child here the whisperings of hope.”
Here’s the adoption story that goes with the song above–it’s awesome go watch it…made me cry…along with this song too: Come Home Beautiful
“she is beautiful but she has never known a love that will never leave. someone to help her see that she is beautiful. she’s redeemed. she is loved. she is the bride of the King.”
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Even though I decided to stay home and REST instead of heading to Idea Camp: Orphan Care, I totally enjoyed the conference from the comfort of my bed! My heart got captured right from the beginning when I heard this quote:
“A life interrupted is a life inspired. When life is interrupted by a story then inspiration is sustainable.”
Now that hits home and takes me right back to South Africa. My life was interrupted there. I carry those stories with me every.single.day. They are deep in my heart and the numbers that surround the orphan crisis hold faces. Faces of babies I’ve held. And so it makes the statistics even more heart-staggering.
Hearing like-hearted people share their passion for orphans stirred up even more in myself:
“What frustrates me about solutions for orphan crises is that people think we only need more orphanages & adoptions.”
“Orphan Care starts with the local church. Transformation there is sustainable. Work through the local church and let them be the hands and feet.”
“Man created orphanages for children, but God created families for them.”
“Every country wants their children to stay…”
“Caring for orphans is a lifelong investment. It’s not a cause, not a campaign.”
“Solve the problem, don’t just manage it.”
“Every situation of injustice we have seen in the world is because of a broken relationship.”
“Raising up a child in the knowledge of Jesus Christ takes more than giving up a latte…”
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Caring for orphans goes beyond adoptions and orphanages. Empowering, equipping, and igniting a culture of transformation needs to happen on a community level. Not only do the needs of the children need to be addressed but so do those of all ages because the root of problem starts there. The hope and power of Jesus Christ produces lasting transformation and that’s where it starts. I could say so much more and will in time say more, but I’m still processing and sorting through these heart-thoughts. Though, mostly (especially after listening to this awesome message on meditating and listening to God) I’m seeking God for His specific, direct, clear guidance and direction as to where, how, and what my own role will look in this and I am trusting His timing.
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What stirs up passion for you?
b'ahava 