Autumn’s dim morning light shrouded the room in a blanket of calm as I greeted the Father. “Lord, what work do you have for me today? How can I be like Jesus in someone’s life?” The words hung in the hush of a home not yet interrupted by the rush of bodies hurrying toward busy and I paused, wondering what the day might bring.
I couldn’t know that by the time the sun sat low on the horizon like a burnished orange dangling heavy on a tree, my heart would quake–grieving for a nine-year old child and wondering what her hours between school and bedtime might entail.
While writing is my passion, teaching was my profession for more than twenty years and I love the children whose little bodies filled my classroom. Years ago, I chose to teach because I longed to be the person who might make a difference in a hurting child’s life. I wanted to be that child’s rescuer. Her hope giver. His I-believe-in-you and there-is-more-than-this-joy-bringer.
But, naïve optimism sometimes collides with reality.
That day, my heart fluttered rapidly when a small one whispered weakly, “I’m afraid to go home. I don’t know what he’ll do to me.” Her eyes pleaded with me as she leaned into my body and I wrapped gentle arms around her fragile frame–just as I wished someone had done for another little girl years ago.
I did everything as expected. I made the calls to the State. Completed the required paperwork. And I asked, “Will anyone be able to visit the home before this child goes home?”
The woman on the other end of the line sighed. “Not unless you notice bruising or you were informed of sexual abuse.”
I thank the woman for her time, drop the call, and feel tears gathering at the back of my throat and drowning my heart. This child–every child– should feel safe. Protected. Loved.
Now, my thoughts and prayers hover over a brown-eyed child and I pray. I ask Jesus to be the one I am incapable of being in this little one’s life and He reminds me.
I Am the One in whom all things are possible. I. Am. Able. Click To TweetI Am the Savior who wept tears over a people in need of rescue. I Am the divine planner who lovingly leads a wandering, needy people to eternal hope. I Am the One in whom all things are possible.
I. Am. Able.
Still unsettled, I’m reminded of heaven’s King who exchanged Heaven’s glory for an inglorious manger. The fountain of peace for a world awash in sin. The throne of worship for the disgrace of a cross.
His purposes will prevail even when life is unjust. And His presence will guard the weak until the Lamb is revealed as Lion. Click To TweetMy assignment that day was to love a hurting child, but the Father’s mission? To be the great I Am. His power will overcome that which is wicked. His purposes will prevail even when life is unjust. And His presence will guard the weak until the Lamb is revealed as Lion.
I would love to know how God has shown himself faithful in your assignments this week. Leave a comment and encourage others with your testimony or let me know how I can pray for you.
Peace and grace,
Tammy
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Tammy loved your post. Hit home for me too. I became a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) so I could intervene for children like the one you mentioned. While it is rewarding, facing the harsh realities of these children pierces my heart often. Indeed my superwoman ideals come face to face with the reality that there is an evil in the world bigger than my optimism.
Hi Donna,
I’m so sorry I missed your comment.
CASA’s are so important, but I can only imagine how challenging it must be for a tender-hearted person to serve in that position. It is difficult to come to terms with the heartache some people–especially children face. Still, I know God is the El Roi. He never loses sight of the hurting.
Peace and grace,
Tammy
Thank you for the reminder that when there are things we can’t control in life, God is Sovereign. He can make a way when there seems to be no way. He loves and protects His children, even when things look dark. He is a good God.
You are so right, Joanna. He is our praise no matter the circumstances.
Blessings to you,
Tammy
I can’t hardly imagine that the child’s words were not enough. I this was tenderly written. In my anxiety and desire to rescue, I need this reminder that God is Sovereign especially in these type of situations. Thanks.
I am so grateful that while some things in life are out of my control, they always remain under His watchful eye and in His control. Not always easy to understand. I hold onto the hope that one day He will make all things right.
Hi Joanne,
I look forward to that day. How glorious it will be!
Peace and grace,
Tammy
“His presence will guard the weak until the Lamb is revealed as Lion.” This is such a comfort, Tammy. Also, I’m not sure how I missed it before but I see that you are a Grace & Truth hostess now … many blessings to you as you engage in that role!
Hi Lois,
I don’t know how I missed your comment but thanks for joining the linkup and for your kindness!
Many blessings,
Tammy
Oh my, dear Tammy, this made my eyes tear up. I’m glad we can trust God. Otherwise my heart would break into a heap of shattered pieces. I regularly pray for a little one who spoke up. Like in your story, that child didn’t have enough evidence to show authorities, for her rescue. But at least there are more people watching closely for any further signs of trouble.
Blessings as we trust and pray for little ones ~ Wendy Mac
Hi, Wendy. He is the God who sees and there are others who love these precious ones. Blessings to you, Wendy, as together we trust in the knowledge that our God is a good and faithful Father.
Peace and grace,
Tammy