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 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.

My 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

I often link up with the following wonderful bloggers:

Mondays   Mandy and Michele/ Inspire Me Monday/Anita Ojeda

Tuesdays InstaEncouragements

Wednesdays  Recharge Wednesday / Tell His Story/Sitting Among Friends Linkup/Let’s Have Coffee

Thursdays Heart Encouragement  /  Tune In Thursday  /Salt and Light

Friday Blogger Voices Network /

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Maree Dee

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