Your “Thing”

Several years ago I was talking to a friend.   She is a very beautiful woman.
We talked every now and then.  We even hung out some.  Anyway, this particular
day she had begun telling me about a “cause” that she was being stirred up about.

Kind of ranting and raving she was…

And no, I don’t want to name the cause because it’s not about this cause or that cause.
It’s really not.  But in the process of her telling me all about her cause, I merely said,

“Our hearts are broken for the orphan because they are living, 
breathing real people!  Some are found starving, many severely neglected, most without hope – we can’t turn our backs on them.”

She looked me in the face and matter-of-factly-spoke,


“Ya’ well the orphans are just your thing!”

I was so startled.  The words tumbled out her beautiful 
lips in such a cold manner, my mouth dropped open.  

“Ummm, no dear friend, actually they’re not just 
my “thing” –  they are God’s ‘thing’!!”

In Psalm 82:3 we are told:

“Defend the cause of the weak and fatherless; 
maintain the rights of the poor and oppressed.”

The common thread throughout scripture admonishes people just like you and me
that we are to care {whether through adoption or not} for the fatherless.

It’s not just a cause, it’s God’s heart.

It’s not just a phase to pass through.  It’s a mandate.

The orphan is not a hobby.

The peril of the orphan is not just something to do in our spare time.

Personally, the orphan consumes my thoughts.  Some days their plight fills
my brain so much so that I’ve often wondered if it wouldn’t be nice to take my brain
out and lay it on the table for a rest.

And I know that many of you are consumed as well.  You post pictures advocating for precious treasures longing for a family.

You pray for the orphan – many by name!

You plead on their behalf!

You share videos you might have captured of some favorites of yours!

I am here to urge each of you, 

“Don’t stop!  Don’t give up! Don’t get discouraged!”

I know there have been days where I have wondered {wrongly} am I alone.
Does anyone else care?  Of course, that’s a rhetorical question!

But should you feel alone – you’re not!

Should you feel – “What’s the point?”

Should you grow weary in advocating for the orphan…

Here’s a fresh reminder from God’s word:

“So whatever you wish that others would do to you, 
do also to them.”
Matthew 7:12  

And another:

“Do not grow weary in well-doing, 
for in due season you will reap if you faint not!”
Galatians 6:9

The orphan and fatherless living around the world need us!

They need us to care.

They need us to advocate.

They need us to love them.

They need us to pray for them.

Like Tony.

He’s 13.  

He’s been at The Gem Foundation for a few weeks. 

He’s wears a size 4T.  

He’s also really sick and in the hospital.

Can we even begin to imagine what 
life has been like for Tony for the past 13 years?

I well with tears for Tony as I sit typing in the comfort of our home.

Tony was the first thing I thought of in the wee hours as I woke…and began to whisper healing prayers for Tony.  He’s been on my mind all day.

What would I want others to do for me, if I were Tony?

If I were Tony, I’d want them to care that I’m sick.

If I were Tony, I’d want them to pray.

If I were Tony, I’d want them to be moved with compassion.

If I were Tony, I’d want them to love me, even from afar.

Because Tony, frankly, matters to God, Tony must matter to us. 

Please pray with us for healing for Tony. 

 

4 thoughts on “Your “Thing”

  1. One evening around Christmas time, my son Samuel was watching a Christmas special with me. Repeatedly during commercial time, advertisement for nationally known animal rescue groups were shown. Showing the sad conditions that some dogs, cats, horses, etc. are found in when people don't protect, feed, and care for them. After awhile, my dear, sweet, sensitive little boy asked me why people talk so much about animals and don't seem to care about children (orphans) without food, families, and homes so much.

  2. Oh my. Have heard that before, and it is so sad. I can relate so much to what you said about sometimes wanting to take out your brain and lay it on the table for a rest.. It can be really hard. But then I think what a responsibility and honor it is……if these little ones are out there suffering and waiting, then we must take that up somehow and share their burden. Keep up your faithful work on behalf of the orphan Linny, you and your family. It is most precious to the Lord. Love to you.

  3. Thank you again…for just the right words at just the right time…there are days when I feel exhausted from caring for the needs of my crew and yet we are so humbled and happy to be adopting again…an insane combination to so many…and yet we KNOW it's right. After helping one of mine through adoption "work through" something for what seemed like forever at bedtime tonight, I needed Galatians 6:9 in my head! 🙂

  4. Thank you for your beautiful words! I too lost friends over this…. Saddens me that they just don't know yet the heart of God. But I know that if I just keep being love and sacrificing my life for all those around me and continue to take in the least of these, they will understand!!! And hopefully soon run along side us with children of their own in their arms!

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