My Brother's Keeper
Thursday, September 14, 2006
This week I approached a couple of organizations who have resources to see if they would be interested in helping me set up this network for "at risk youth" in our community. Mainly the boys who are leaving TYC to try to start a new life away from their homes, family and everything they have ever known.
In some ways I was shocked to hear..."well, they are eighteen, they have committed offenses, so we really don't want to work with them." Am I surprised? Not really. We have a difficult time getting anyone to volunteer even an hour a week to set down with these boys and spend a moment with them.
I had a co worker who is a Christian. I asked him, "where's the church?" What are they doing? Aren't we the church? Didn't He say, the Kingdom of God is now in the hearts of men? This person, my coworker said, "people are too busy with their own lives to do anything for these kids." Wow! I said, 'well, aren't we supposed to be our brother's keeper?"
Aren't we to love God with all our heart and love our neighbor as ourself? God forgive us for not being willing to go out of our way to help these boys who belong to you.
I know and understand why some people don't want to get involved, but I also realize we can't ignore the problem, we have to reach out and touch these lives with the love of Christ. His love is life changing. He didn't come for those who are well, He came for those who need a physician, for those who are sick.
The church is a spiritual hospital, treating patients with the Gospel to make them well. That's what it's for. Jesus said that He didn't come for those who were well, but those who were sick. He said, "Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance" (Mark 2:17). A church may have many patients, all in different stages of recovery. Some are in terminal or critical condition, others are nearly well, and there are those who have recovered enough to join with the hospital staff in helping to care for the other patients.
Will you join me in caring for the sick? You can pray, maybe you can help financially or maybe you can write a letter or give an hour of your time. Who is sick in your community? Not just physically sick, but spiritually sick?
posted by Live, Love, Laugh | 11:51 PM
6 Comments:
I am reminded of Jesus who said about the one in prison and one visiting him. I am remeinded also of my friend who mentioned about the fact that at the psychiatric hospitals, where there is a lack of money and "stuff," my friend said, that for like a children's hospital, or for breast cancer, or certain "fashionable" causes there are various fund raisers. But how attractive is a fund raiser for the mentally ill? Likewise for those who have commited offenses. The saddest stories I have read have been of the abuse and suffering to the youth offenders that lead them into that sort of life. Thank you for sharing on my blog. The Lord brings you to mind in prayer while I'm at church - it is funny how it happens. So I can keep these things in prayer. Oh, I like your new picture. (I used to think that you weren't married because you didn't mention about your husband on the ID info about you.)
I'm not surprised at the responses you got; but I am horribly sadden. However, I've found myself having a hard time getting motivated for Awana's this year. This was week 3 & I had a horrible attitude when I went in. I've forgotten that a lot of the kids that attend don't know Jesus & this is their only way to learn about him. I have been far to caught up in my own busy life that I was dreading Awanas months before it even started. I'm glad I stopped by today, reading this has certainly snapped me out of my "attitude" & I will look at things differently.
I wish there was something I could do to help you; I will definately pray that God softens the hearts of others so that these boys get the support & care they deserve.
Dana,
Like you I am surprised, but not by the attitude that goes along with the comments. It is sad that people complain about the youth of today but offer so little help in making it better.
I firmly believe in the "it takes a whole village to raise a child" philosophy.
So sorry to hear the responses you got but not too surprised. Lord help us, to help the least among us...our children...
Bless you sister for trying to make a difference!
Dana, look at you! I like your new page. Hang in there you ARE making and impact and planting seeds.
"The church is a spiritual hospital..."
Saddly, this must read "The church should be a spiritual hospital..."
Too often, we are not.
Good thought provoking post!
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