A woman called me today. She was asking for something that we often get asked for, in the public health office. We talked for quite awhile and since I could not provide her with the thing she needed, instead I listened. I affirmed her. I gave her some suggestions of places to call to get the thing she needed....for her grandson. She was also his foster mom and was in the process of adopting him after his birth parents rights were terminated. In America, this makes this little guy an "american" orphan. This foster mom/adoptive mom/bio grandma was doing her best for him, trying to provide a safe home and life for him, and was appropriately asking for help. I suggested she call a local church to help her get the thing she needed. She told me she did not have a church family, hadn't been to church in years. I said, "well, that doesn't matter, really. Church is church. The church is supposed to be there for us, especially when there are no other options. It doesn't matter whether you have been going often or ever....God set it up that a church would help someone in need..."....(especially an orphan). I gave her the name of MY church and said, if she ran out of options, please call my church. I'll make sure she gets help.
On my way home, I realized I had created a conundrum. I had no way to make good on this assurance, sadly. I called my church and tried to explain it to the secretary....who didn't have enough post-its to convey the message to whomever may answer the phone if said woman calls.....so she left a note that said, "if someone calls about a ______, refer her to Niki." We have bills coming in like crazy, we don't have a slush fund slushy enough to cover this need....but God does. My church will make good on this request, if it comes to pass, not because I will present an official request to the consistory, or the pastor, but because I. am. the. church. If she calls, I'll get her what she needs. In the church's name. I'm pretty sure God will cover it, somehow. I'm not too worried about the lack of funds. Maybe a bit...but not too much.
We have orphans right here at home. They may not look like the orphans I've been hanging out with in India. They may not even fit the definition of an orphan, but they stir the same sorrow and longing and stirring in my soul that I feel for the kids I love in India. The kids whose parents are getting a divorce? yes. The boy who doesn't have a dad to help him play soccer and so he messes up and leaves in tears? yes. Kids who get themselves ready for school every morning and come home to an empty house every night because their parents work night and day to put food on the table? maybe not technically, like the orphans worldwide...but in America....in northwest Iowa...yes. These are our orphans. They should matter to us. Our hearts, my heart, should break for these children that the Lord lovse so, so much and wants restored to healthy, safe, loving families. The Lord sets the lonely in families. We are the families. I am the mama and my heart is breaking for these kids tonight.
I miss the SCH kids in India who are orphans.....I long to hug and kiss and hold and love them again.....and I ask Jesus to hold them closely for me, even now. Its all I can do from here, today. I can do more for the other kids who live in my community. I will. Will you? Will you be the church no matter where you are?
On my way home, I realized I had created a conundrum. I had no way to make good on this assurance, sadly. I called my church and tried to explain it to the secretary....who didn't have enough post-its to convey the message to whomever may answer the phone if said woman calls.....so she left a note that said, "if someone calls about a ______, refer her to Niki." We have bills coming in like crazy, we don't have a slush fund slushy enough to cover this need....but God does. My church will make good on this request, if it comes to pass, not because I will present an official request to the consistory, or the pastor, but because I. am. the. church. If she calls, I'll get her what she needs. In the church's name. I'm pretty sure God will cover it, somehow. I'm not too worried about the lack of funds. Maybe a bit...but not too much.
We have orphans right here at home. They may not look like the orphans I've been hanging out with in India. They may not even fit the definition of an orphan, but they stir the same sorrow and longing and stirring in my soul that I feel for the kids I love in India. The kids whose parents are getting a divorce? yes. The boy who doesn't have a dad to help him play soccer and so he messes up and leaves in tears? yes. Kids who get themselves ready for school every morning and come home to an empty house every night because their parents work night and day to put food on the table? maybe not technically, like the orphans worldwide...but in America....in northwest Iowa...yes. These are our orphans. They should matter to us. Our hearts, my heart, should break for these children that the Lord lovse so, so much and wants restored to healthy, safe, loving families. The Lord sets the lonely in families. We are the families. I am the mama and my heart is breaking for these kids tonight.
I miss the SCH kids in India who are orphans.....I long to hug and kiss and hold and love them again.....and I ask Jesus to hold them closely for me, even now. Its all I can do from here, today. I can do more for the other kids who live in my community. I will. Will you? Will you be the church no matter where you are?
4 comments:
Interesting you write this. Last week, Joe & Elisabeth's BSF lesson covered this very concept of orphan and widow, and Elisabeth had to write down specific examples of orphans and widows she was aware of. We talked about how there are very straightforward widows and orphans, but there are also many who don't fit under the umbrellas of those categories but should be cared for as God commands us to care for the orphan and widow. Basically I think it encompasses the vulnerable and lonely - and there's a whole lot of "vulnerable & lonely" right here.
Thanks for these thoughts, Niki! It's so good to be reminded that orphan can mean a lot of different things. Your thoughts remind me of the song by Steven Curtis Chapman "What Now?". I need to remember this when I'm helping children at the library.
Love this. Thank you for the encouragement!
These are wonderful sentiments. It's hard but every little does help. It's so encouraging to read from people who care about others.
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