Do Not Grow Weary in Doing Good

We were so excited to answer this big calling. Humbled at the task ahead, realizing the impact that could be made, but fearless nonetheless. We started having meetings with executives from our local agencies. They were buttoned up and professional servants in the child welfare system, most with well over ten if not twenty years of experience. But we had been leading a foster care ministry for three years and our excitement at this undertaking could not be matched.

We were the Elle Woods (Legally Blonde) of the Foster Care Nonprofit World. "This is going to be just like ministry, except for FUNNER!" As we continued with meetings, we got deeper into the weeds and discovered what felt like impossibilities ahead. They said churches would be skeptical of the work. Churches don't trust the government. And, everyday we felt less equipped. My mind didn't stop at night... You have too much going on in your life to take this on. Your children will suffer. How can someone as small as you make a real difference? The truth is, there are thousands of people that wonder these things at night. They are foster and adoptive parents or truly anyone that works with vulnerable children and families in the child welfare system. They work at ground zero. Human trafficking, homelessness, our prison population, are all deeply rooted in foster care. Generation after generation repeat the cycle. Darkness that overwhelming often overtakes any person that tries to strike a match here. Sparks are snuffed. Caseworkers cannot endure. Fifty percent of foster parents quit within the first year. Just as I was beginning to feel too insignificant to ever make even a tiny change, I looked up and I remembered his words. Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers. Galatians 6:9-10 Do. Not. Grow. Weary. In. Doing. Good. I am writing this as a prescription for every foster and adoptive family out there, those who support them, and those who work to bring light into the foster care system. Take it daily, as needed with unlimited refills. Every time you feel like it does not matter, remember this part as well: Do not give up.

Every day we battle this Goliath. So, let's name him. Let us recognize how formidable our foe is. As we love as our creator did before us, we are trying to break a stronghold of generations and there is no doubt that this work is difficult and exhausting. We cannot be blind to the darkness that daily tries to overcome, but rather we must acknowledge it and remind ourselves it was already defeated. But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. 1 Peter 2:9

Do not grow weary. Keep shining that light. Keep slinging those stones. Keep running that race.

God sees your work. May he multiply our sparks into a fire that brings lasting change and restoration to the brokenness in our communities around us.