Answering the call

We are brothers and sisters on the journey...

Mark 3:31-35
The mother of Jesus and his brothers arrived at the house.
Standing outside, they sent word to Jesus and called him.
A crowd seated around him told him,
“Your mother and your brothers and your sisters
are outside asking for you.”
But he said to them in reply,
“Who are my mother and my brothers?”
And looking around at those seated in the circle he said,
“Here are my mother and my brothers.
For whoever does the will of God
is my brother and sister and mother.”

When we make the commitment to walk in the will of God, we are making a choice that changes our lives. We are given an entirely new family... others who have made the same choice... and have joined us as brothers and sisters in the family of God.

Answering the call to be involved with children who are temporary orphans, either by being in foster care or in preparation for adoption, is a life changing event. It takes us places that we may not have anticipated. It gives us children whose needs seem overwhelming at times. It brings us into conflict with 'the system' and the holes through which children can fall. It invites us to have our hearts shredded by being unable to meet the needs of specific children or unable to find resources to meet those needs. It can exhaust us so that we are no longer able to muster the energy for the journey...

Answering the call to be involved with children who are permanent orphans because their parents were unable to care for them adequately and no one every came forward to adopt can break your heart. These children, as they emancipate from foster care, may have no resources to support them and to launch them into adult hood. They may lack basic life skills to be able to manage independent living, but not have any adults who can help them. Their needs are often overwhelming for all involved in the effort to help. The resources for them are so slim. The needs are so great.

Answering the call gives us new sisters, brothers, mothers, fathers, cousins, grandparents... who can help and support... Answering the call gives us a new family... Please answer the call in whatever way you can experience it...