I then remembered how my parents took in my uncle when he was only 8 years old, after the passing of my grandmother. Had they not taken him in, who knows what his life would look like today. But because they did, I now call him my "brother" and he's a husband, father, and a pastor. Our lives were never the same because my parents took scripture literally and "Defend[ed] the cause of the fatherless..." (Isaiah 1:17). Some may say, "well...he was family, they had to do it."
However, as I have matured and heard many other stories of those abandoned, I have come to realize that not everyone does take it upon themselves to expand their comfort zones, family borders, and circles of love to care for those who have no one else. But God has chosen His church to do this. As a Christian it is my duty. In the Bible, the book of James 1:27 says: "Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world."
This month is adoption awareness month. It's a time to get involved by adopting, fostering, helping those in need or becoming an advocate for those who have no one else. What has God asked you to do? I'm asking the same questions and my prayer is that together we can all make a difference and care for those who have no one else. As for me, I believe at some point I will either adopt or care for a foster child. I am also involved in supporting a child, praying, and raising awareness.
If you are from Arkansas - here is a video from a wonderful organization called "The C.A.L.L - Children of Arkansas Loved for a Lifetime" - Get involved! Touch a life.
Will you answer the C.A.L.L.? from The C.A.L.L. in Arkansas on Vimeo.
Get resources for yourself or your church at www.orphansunday.org
