However, when I read this brief statement written by a Catholic Nun it cause me to stop and pause. To stop and think. To turn to God.
I have six children. Children who all experienced more pain, trauma, loss, and hurt than any child should EVER have to face but sadly many do. They were all born. They were all "given" life. Born to mothers who either loved themselves more than the children they bore or mothers who didn't give a second thought to how she would provide (or not provide) for the children she bore. Children whose mothers didn't know about grace and mercy and redemption. Children who were hungry. Children who were cold. Children who were hot. Children who were thirsty. Children who were dirty. Children who were uneducated. Children who were loved only by a Father they couldn't see and a Father they didn't trust. Children whose mothers we thank God for regularly for choosing to give them life.
There is no denying I have a heart for the orphan. That is my calling in life, of this I am sure. So why would I want more of them on this earth? Why would I want to see kids suffer the same hurt, sometimes over their entire lifetime, that my kids have suffered? Why would I want these mothers to bear their children, unable to care for them, or more sadly, unwilling to care for them.
Redemption.
Simple. That is God's plan for all of us. To call us from a place without Him to a place with Him.
The Bible...Jesus...calls us to care for the orphans. As Christians, that is one of our duties. Through Christ's love in us, the orphan can learn of God's great grace, mercy, and love. The orphan can change his or her course in life and in turn change the course of life for others. The change started in one child...in one family...can affect so, so many. Perhaps physical adoption isn't for you. But adoption through sponsorship can be. Please ask me about it if you can come up with $30-$50 extra dollars a month. That's one manicure or pedicure. That's one meal out. That's a trip to the movies. That's one Starbucks a week. Your impact can be felt for generations.
But folks, I'm not only talking about redemption of the kids here. I'm talking about the redemption of us adults. We can learn so much through the changing heart of an orphaned child. We can learn so much about trust, love, and acceptance by watching our children experience it. We can learn so much about God's great and never-ending love, mercy and grace by giving it.
I guess that's why I am so upset by all the hateful posts, tweets and threads going around lately. God has so strongly convicted me that we need to hate the sin and love the sinner. That also means hating our own sin, too. That's hard. Sometimes we downplay our sin because it's "not as bad" as killing a baby or being in a homosexual relationship. It's not as bad as as defiling children. It's not as bad as murdering someone.
Newflash: God hates ALL sin and LOVES all sinners.
I don't write this to give you free pass. We can't love God and ignore His teachings and commands. We can't. We all need God and his grace and mercy. Every single one of us.
You had an abortion? God loves you. You cheated on your wife? God loves you. You embezzled your company's money? God loves you. You are a drug-addicted drunkard? God loves you. You are a habitual liar? God loves you. You are proud at heart? God loves you. You have hate in your heart? God loves you.
Turn to Him. Let Him heal you. Let His great grace and mercy wash over you. He's waiting...always waiting. He wants you. He desires you. He loves you...and everyone else. Love them too. You may be the only taste of Christ another person may have.
Our Youth Pastor, Aaron Holman, created this image and I absolutely love it. Can you see your weakness and your sin? It's okay. He loves you so much he died for you. He died for us...all of us. Go to Him and live.
