In the midst of a tearful conversation recently one of the girls pointed to a sign in her room with Jeremiah 29:11 on it and said, "I need you to take that down because it makes me too sad.""Why?' I asked.
She explained that the words hope and future had led her to think one outcome was happening that it now appears may not.
And I could empathize. While I certainly am not in her size 13 shoes, I know what it feels like to pin my hopes on a future that is not the same one God has in mind.
Their situation is fraught with heartbreak God never intended for this world--and a simultaneous hope too great for them to fully comprehend.
This morning I woke to the low sound of their whispers rising into full voice. I glanced at the bedside clock and saw 2:58 am. Stumbling downstairs I found 2/3 completely dressed in their Sunday best. The 2nd grader had even proudly braided her 4 year old sister's hair into several small braids all over her Caucasian head. :) Their shoes were on. Their beds were made. They were more ready for what today holds than I am (even as I type this at 9:30am).
It took a lot of convincing and tears to get them back in pjs and in bed for a few more hours rest.
I am writing all this to remember the bittersweet reality of life in a broken world. A picture of caring for each other, walking bravely toward the unknown and a human to desire to just get on with it all.
I don't write for sympathy--simply for prayers for all the hearts big and small walking through difficult consequences and looking forward with the hope that this story is far from over.
10 comments:
I will pray. No words seem right, but I wanted you to know that I will pray that all things will work together for good for these sweet girls. Brave hearts to them and to their foster mom.
What she (Anne S.) said! I am praying also. This journey your family and these three foster girls are on together is not in vain. He does have good plans for all of you. I'm praying that Jeremiah 29:11 will one day be a verse that she can "hang her hat on" rather than be discouraged by. You are doing a great job, Jennifer!
Prayers for all of you.
Praying for you as you cling to God and his plan for these childrens' lives. You are doing a great job!
Keeping all of you in prayer asking God for strength as you complete such an important ministry.
Prayers for these little girls and for you and your family. He is faithful and worthy of our trust. May they learn to trust him.
I'm praying for these little hearts, their birth family and yours too. May they hold onto Jesus tightly through these uncertain days. Much love and hugs to you all as you walk this path together from Australia xo
I couldn't help but think of perspective when reading this. How often Jer. 29:11 has brought me comfort, while your sweet charge sees possible disappointment. I believe her faith will be strengthened in time and that verse will embed itself in her heart. Thank you for introducing her to it. No doubt you will be blessed for your obedience on this difficult journey. Prayers for your entire family. Thank you for both your obedience and sharing it. My faith has been strengthened by reading along.
Many prayers for all of you.
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