What hinders me?

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. 1^st leg is food and water. 2^nd leg is shelter and clothing and the 3^rd 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