What hinders me from
helping the fatherless, the orphan or the least of these? Could it be
the cost financially, what my family and friends think, the time it
takes, my job and or my selfish pride? Do these things really hold me
back or are they just excuses? Let us talk through these ideas.
Point one: The financial
cost to myself and my family. I barely can make it now so how am I
going to feed another kid or even several kids? Also, what if the kid
gets sick? There will be more doctor bills and medicine bills.
Remember I said we're just barely making it now. The answer is the
kids in the system have a medical card, no cost to you. The
government also pays for their room and board which is enough to
cover their needs.
Point two: What will my
family and friends think? They mostly tell you and others how great
you are to help a kid or kids. Often unfortunately in the same breath
some people will also say how crazy you are. Do you know all the
problems these children come from? Do you know it will affect your
kids? Yes I do know and my kids are better for helping other kids.
Some will even say, ”they're not your own kids, how can you love
them?” You can and will also start to understand the mystery of
God's love.
Point three: The time it
takes. It does take a lot of time. Maybe hours up at night, in
hospitals or even with the police. But anything of value doesn't come
easy. It's worth fighting for. When your old or on your death bed you
will not long for more days at work or stuff but you'll long for more
time with your family and friends. Wishing you gave more to help
others. Even wishing you could have done more with and for others.
Point four: My job, is for
what? Are you working just to make more and more money for toys,
trips and stuff? My job is for paying my bills so I can take care of
my family and help as many others as possible. By helping others you
will be punished, harassed and lose out on job opportunities. I've
lived it, why? I'm open about what and why I do to help others. Even
saying, ”I'm just here for a paycheck,” or “I'm just here short
term, maybe 20-30 years or until I can help children full time.”
This will be perceived as not being a team player, oh well. I work
for the Lord and me and my house will serve Him.
Point five: My selfish
pride holding me back. Well if you haven't picked up on it yet from
reading let me explain. Point 1: Cost to me. Point 2 :What
people think about me. Point 3: It takes my time. Point
4: I'm harassed at work. Point 5: My selfish pride,
because it affects me.
It comes down to a three
legged stool. 1st leg is food and water. 2nd
leg is shelter and clothing and the 3rd leg is time and
attention. After these 3 legs you can sit upon a top or a
relationship. What holds it together? Love, trust and open
communication. Also along the way if they get sick you take them to
see a doctor. Where do I get these ideas? It's what I do for my dog.
So why can't I do this for a kid? More importantly over 90% of the
world believes in a God. Don't call them kids but a soul. Something
of value that will have to be answered for someday.
My final thought is a
short story I wrote called Consider Me. “Child born. Needs home.
Adopt me!” These are some thoughts and my heart. A local foster and
adoptive parent, local missionary of F.R.A.M.E. And child of God.
Nicholas J. Stuart
