I don't care what you do, just DO something!

Today Allen and I had the privilege to attend a foster parent appreciation lunch at the agency we foster through.  Our agency is fantastic when it comes to making their families feel appreciated, loved, and needed.  I value that so much.  It is always nice to feel appreciated.  Thank you Childhelp! 

I have been heavy hearted recently about some things and I feel the need to share with you things I have been thinking about.  Have you ever heard anyone say or maybe even said yourself "I just wish their was something I could do".  Well guess what...there is ALWAYS something you can do.  Allen and I feel that foster parenting is our ministry.  It is what God has called us, and set us on a path to do.  If we make a difference one time in one child's life then every struggle, hardship, heartbreak, and tear is worth it.  You can make a difference in a child's life is so many ways, you don't have to be a foster parent to influence and help children.  Here are some ways you can help. 

CASA (court appointed special advocates)
"CASA volunteers are appointed by judges to watch over and advocate for abused and neglected children, to make sure they don’t get lost in the overburdened legal and social service system or languish in inappropriate group or foster homes.  Volunteers stay with each case until it is closed and the child is placed in a safe, permanent home. For many abused children, their CASA volunteer will be the one constant adult presence in their lives.
Independent research has demonstrated that children with a CASA volunteer are substantially less likely to spend time in long-term foster care and less likely to reenter care"

I think CASA is awesome!  Ethan had a CASA worker and I promise you that without her help and hard work Ethan would not be adoptable and we would be on a never ending road to nowhere.  Be a child's friend, talk to them, listen to them, help them, love them.  Invest in the lives of hurting children, they need you. 

So if CASA isn't for you.  There are more options.  Christmas is quickly approaching.  As you enter stores look for opportunities to purchase Christmas gifts for children in need.  You will find a child's name and wish list items they would like for Christmas.  These children can be foster kids who might be spending their first Holiday season with their foster family.  Holidays are very difficult on foster kids, especially if they are old enough to realize the circumstances in which they are now in.  This could be the first Christmas a child has ever had a Christmas tree, the first year that they will receive presents.  But more importantly than all of that this could be the first year they are learning the true meaning of Christmas.  This is an opportunity for a child to be introduced to a  God who loves them so much that He sent HIS son, to be born in a manger.  That baby would grow up and die for their sins because THEY ARE LOVED!  Abused and neglected children have a hard time comprehending and understand love...now you step in and show them love.  Typically the items on the list aren't going to cost you an arm and a leg.  They are small items that will bring joy to a child's heart on Christmas morning.  They will know that someone out there cares about them and wanted to make a difference.  That someone can be you!

I beg you to pray.  Pray for children who are in homes right now that are being abused and hurt daily.  Pray for children who are in foster homes, pray that they will not get lost in the system and that people come into their lives who show them Jesus.  Pray for foster parents.  This isn't easy and most of the time it isn't fun.  We have little eyes watching our every move pray that we don't lose sight of the big goal along the way, and why we have chosen this ministry.  Pray for the social workers they have a very hard job.  Pray for them to have wisdom, and compassion for the souls they meet.  Pray for the judges they need guidance in making the right decision for the child. 

God has given us specific instructions on how to treat those in need.
James 1:27 (The Message)

 ^26-27Anyone who sets himself up as "religious" by talking a good game is self-deceived. This kind of religion is hot air and only hot air. Real religion, the kind that passes muster before God the Father, is this: Reach out to the homeless and loveless in their plight, and guard against corruption from the godless world.

We have been commanded to take care of the widows and the orphans, I don't take this lightly and I hope that you won't either.  There is always something you can do.  Pray about it and see which direction best suites you.  You might have to leave your comfort zone but you will survive.  If God calls you to it, He will see you through it.  Another powerful saying "God doesn't call the equipped, He equips the called."  We are not created to be hateful, selfish people.  We were created in the image of God.  Created to love.  Now take what you have been created for and use it.  Go find a child and love them!

Check out these links
CASA
Childhelp
Volunteering
Foster Parenting