As Orphan Sunday approaches Nov. 6, 2011, a day where we remember children without a family. I am reminded of words spoken by the orphans. I must tell you, wise words sometimes come out of the mouths of babes. The plight of the orphan is near and dear to my heart. Two of my children are adopted, once orphans, without a mother or father to care for them. I have thought about what the orphans have spoken. What could I do? How should I respond?
The first orphan I will highlight is a bright, thought-provoking, young girl. Upon meeting her in the Ukraine, she began her interrogation by asking me “Why would you want to adopt from the Ukraine and why would you want more kids?” She wanted a prudent answer. She knew I had four children and that was plenty in her eyes. Excellent question! What did motivate me? A verse comes to mind, I Jo. 3:1 “Behold, what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called the children of God!…”. God’s love towards me compels me to love others. (She is no longer an orphan)
Another child, a seven year old, orphaned, Ukrainian boy is continuing to ask his teacher “Can you find me a mom?”. How does one answer him? He is not asking for something frivolous, but for someone to care for him. My conclusion comes from Is.1:17 “Learn to do good; Seek justice, rebuke the oppressor; defend the fatherless, plead for the widow.”. God calls me to defend the orphans whenever I can, this is His heart. (He is still an orphan)
As I listen to what comes out of the mouths of the orphans I long to respond with the heart of God, one overflowing with love. For me , my response was to reach out to a nine year old orphan from the Ukraine, who trustingly at our first meeting, looked into my eyes and grabbed my hand and said “Mom?”. Would I or wouldn’t I answer her plea? I answered yes, because of God’s love for me and my desire to live and give His love to others. James 1:27 “Pure and undefiled religion is visiting widows and orphans in their distress…” . God wants me to model true religion, not just to be religious, but by being involved in their lives. (She is no longer an orphan)
Will I allow God’s love to compel me to love others, particularly the orphans? Will I assist in defending the orphans whenever I have the ability to do so? And finally, does my life model “true religion” or am I merely religious? My desire is to look and listen for the need of those around me, will you join me?