Tuesday, October 7, 2008

Almost Unpublishable

I didn't know that working with the governmental powers that be meant you voluntarily gave away your right to freedom of speech. That's why I didn't write for a long while; I couldn't figure out what I could and could not say. When you are a foster parent, you are not supposed to acknowledge to the rest of the world that foster children live in your home (we learned that rule after-the-fact). I'm not even sure I was supposed to tell you their names if we met on the street. And having them loved on by the members of our family and church family was probably a violation of some rule somewhere. According to the state, everything that was real and true in my life for four months was just in your imagination.

But it wasn't. There were some very real children in need of a loving, safe and clean place to play and eat and learn and rest their heads. And by the grace of God, Darin and I got to provide that. They will probably never know we even existed in their lives, since they were so young, but perhaps the ministry we offered them at a critical juncture will lay a foundation that draws them to the Christ who loves them inifitely more than anyone else ever can or will. They left here knowing that a "wise man built his house upon the rock" and "little feet" should be "careful where [they] go," (and "the wheels on the bus go round and round!"). They each heard the name of Jesus from us, Sunday School teachers, nursery workers and countless other believers who held them close. Maybe those tiny seeds were planted deep enough that they'll take root in years to come. That even without daily watering, one day they'll hear the name of Jesus again and subconsciously remember that his name once brought with it happy smiles and loving arms, and they'll call upon him and run to his arms, wherever they are.

I couldn't publish this blog entry when they were with us, and for all I know I may be in trouble for it now, but I'll hire an ambulance-chasing lawyer and stand on the 1st amendment. I guess I was supposed to stick to safe topics like abortion, politics, and religion, because talking about the realities of my life, feelings and home were taboo. What a crazy world we live in. Thank goodness God's still in control; I don't have the foggiest idea what I'd do if I were in charge of cleaning up this mess.

3 comments:

Anonymous said...

You two did what God called you to do-and might I add did a wonderful job! I question cps and the "rules " "laws" that they have to go by-I will never understand them. The three children have been loved so much and I feel they will hold a very special place in their hearts for you. Keep your heads up, continue living as you have and all will be well.

Summer Says... said...

You, Darin and the children are in my prayers. I fully believe that you both loved and cared and cherished them so deeply, you have left permanet prints on their hearts and souls. They may not have a clear recollection of the last four months, but having them in your home, and in our church was a blessing for them, and all of us.
Their impact on my life and the greater appreciation I have for Alanna, Rex and Kane is profound. And seeing you and Darin with them impacted me in ways for which there are not words. I admire the strength the two of you have together and separately, and the way you both support each other unconditionally. I pray to be so lucky one day :-) I love you both whole bunches! Please let me know if I can do anything for you guys (don't forget I love to paint!).

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Saxboy said...

Hey Julie,
I wanted you to know that we are praying for you guys.
Music does have a way of being able to touch us in ways nothing else can.
Miss you guys
Patrick