Please don't get me wrong. I LOVE animals. Anyone who knows me will verify this fact. Anyone who has been to our home has experienced our small zoo. Even those who do know me don't know how much I am of my great-grandmother's who had a huge heart for our furry friends. I see God in His creation...how creative God is to create such a variety, as well as the instinct and abilities in each one. Amazing! I also believe these creatures have been put on this earth for us to take care of. But I believe animals are God's fun and creativeness not the center of His heart. We, His people are. And it is clear He has a special place for the fatherless and widows.
Sing to God, sing praise to his name,
extol him who rides on the clouds -
his name is the Lord
and rejoice before him.
A father to the fatherless, a defender of widows,
is God in his holy dwelling.
God sets the lonely in families,
he leads forth the prisoners with singing;
but the rebellious live in a sun-scorched land.
Psalm 68: 4-6
So many people think of adoption when it comes to orphans. Granted, children deserve a home, a mom and dad, a bed to call their own - hope and a future. We all have it, why can't they? However, I am fully aware not everyone is called to adopt, but we are all called to care for the orphans. I have heard excuses such as "I wish we could, but it isn't my thing" or "I don't have the space for another child" or "I just can't financially do it". And the result remains the same as we turn a deaf ear and a blind eye toward the huge need. What if I told you that you don't have to have space for a child? Or you don't have to offer one penny? and what if I told you ... this is your thing, because God has commanded it on all of us?
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.
James 1:27
Do you have a concern with all the news these days? Do you wonder where our world is heading to? Do something about it ... the future isn't in the dogs and cats we save, but rather the children you see on your block or in the neighborhood school or park. The future is in the children that are on welfare, and the children who don't have to worry where they lay their head at night. The future is those children in the cities as well as those out on the country farms. The future are the children that are in Africa, Ukraine, China and here in the US. Children are our future, and if you want to change the way our country is going ... INVEST in a life of a child.
But yet I hear, "How? I have nothing to offer." And that is where you are so wrong.
Those of you who have a passion and a calling, and you clearly know God has laid it on your heart ... adoption is a key way to give hope to a child, and change the direction in that child's life. Now is the time...there are boys and girls waiting for a home, waiting just for you. Please see links at the bottom of this post.
Maybe adoption isn't fully what you are called to do, but have the room to bring a child in. Have you considered fostering? There are so many children who need the consistency a parent has to offer, yet don't have it. So many counties need your help - call yours today. (Adams and Denver county has the greatest need in Colorado.)
CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate). Get to know a child or a family of children who have been pulled from their home, protect a child's rights and ensure their safety - be their voice in court. http://www.casaforchildren.org/site/c.mtJSJ7MPIsE/b.5301295/k.BE9A/Home.htm
Can you be a friend? What about the big-brother/big-sister program? The children signed up in this program seek help with their homework as well as a mentor in their life. You have so much to offer, all your hobbies and talents will bring healing, knowledge and connection. http://www.biglittlecolorado.org/
What about the single mom or single dad down the street? Can you bring their children over to your home and play with them? What a double blessing! Not only can you touch the life of these children, but give the mom/dad a break!
Do you have extra newish stuffed-animals? Take them to your nearest police station and donate them. Why? These officers have the hardest job - removing children out of unsafe conditions and bringing them to a new place. These children are traumatized, hurt and angry. A stuffed animal can be just the ticket to prove to the child that these officers aren't the bad guys!
Maybe you do have some extra money you can give. I have listed some websites for you to consider donating to. I also have some sites that you can sponsor a child through, and receive letters from your sponsor child...and even have the opportunity to visit! But I encourage you to do more that write a check. Even though these charities are in desperate need, it is easy to write a check ... get involved with the life of a child.
http://www.addyshope.com/
http://www.adoptuskids.org/
http://www.hopefororphans.org/display.asp?page=home
http://www.icareaboutorphans.org/
http://www.lifesongfororphans.org/
http://www.streetsofhope.org/
http://www.compassion.com/
http://theshepherdscrook.org/
http://www.watoto.com/home
That should be enough to get you started.
Get involved! You will not only be changing a life of a child ... but I guarantee yours will be changed too!
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