cultivate (kuhl - tuh - veyt)
v. 1) develop 2) nurture

graft (grahft)
n. 1) transplant 2) bud 3) union

Wednesday, November 21, 2012

Imagine

Long before Sophia came home, God gave me a beautiful glimpse of His desire for the orphan.

Allow me to take you along for the ride.

Imagine a Ukranian orphanage being converted to a church. Why? Because an entire church in the U.S. adopted every single orphan in that miserable facility.

Imagine a Guatemalan village growing strong families. Why? Because a church in the U.S. sponsored all their kids through Compassion International or World Vision

Imagine an Ethiopian mother who doesn't have to choose between a death sentence for her baby and placing that child in the arms of a stranger who will replace her as Mama. Why? Because churches are providing micro loans to single mothers, equipping them with life skills and materials to provide for their children.

Imagine older children, and those with "special needs" being embraced into families all across the nation. Why? Because churches are fostering an environment that says, "We aren't afraid to dream big, take risks, and live dangerously for the sake of the gospel."*


Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this:
to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep
oneself from being polluted by the world.
James 1:27

Imagine talking to a social worker who just cannot believe the sheer volume of mentors and foster parents lining up to fill a gaping hole in the life of a hurting teenager. Why? Because pulpits across America are preaching it loud and clear:

Learn to do good. Seek justice. Help the oppressed. Defend the cause
of orphans. Fight for the rights of widows.
Isaiah 1:17


Imagine visiting a website like adoptuskids.org only to see a banner scrolling across the top that reads, "There are no children available for adoption at this time. Please fill out the form below to be put on our wait list." Why? Because the Church became ignited with a passion to address the orphan crisis in their own backyard.

Give justice to the poor and the orphan; uphold the rights of the
oppressed and the destitute.
Psalm 82:3


Imagine all of God's precious children being tucked into beds at night, cheered for during a soccer game, or comforted when their first crush ignores them.

Once our eyes are opened we can’t pretend we don’t know what to
do. God who weighs our hearts and keeps our souls knows that we
know and holds us responsible to act.
Proverbs 24:12



Thank You For Imagining With Me,
Cynthia




*AKA, "Can't touch this, Satan. My God's got my back."

7 comments:

  1. Got me fired up Girl! I keep telling Andrew he needs to pop on over here and read! Life is a bit....overwhelming for us right this minute, but I'll get him over eventually and he will agree with every word you just wrote!
    Also, many blessings as you and your family welcome and love on your new addition :)

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    1. Thank you, Nicole! I totally understand overwhelming-ness.

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  2. How are you blogging in the same week you had your FOURTH baby? Regardless - thank you for the truth and boldness of your message!

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    1. I cheated. I wrote most of November's posts last month. All I'm doing is linking them to fb. :)

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  3. I like the way your imagination works! ;-) Love your heart, friend.

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