I remember Chris, a divorced single mom who'd recently lost her IT job. She was struggling to find her way in life, as well as to make a living for herself and her daughter. She was a believer, but that was often a struggle too.
After an afternoon of helping her move to another apartment, we struck up a conversation about some life issues. The topic of foster parenting came up. I asked if she had ever considered becoming a foster parent.
She responded with a resounding, "No Way! I'm not great with kids!"
We were just wrapping up, so I told her to think some more about it. She just kind of shrugged.
About three months later, we saw her again and as we picked up the conversation from earlier, I sensed a difference that God had been making in her. When I asked if she had thought any more about fostering, she blurted out "Oh, you wouldn't believe it, but that's all I've been able to think about! God just keeps putting it on my mind-and I'm scheduled to start the foster parent training on Tuesday!"
I remember the first foster kids she had. As they walked into our little Native Church Fellowship, she hovered over them like a mother eagle, a smile beaming from ear to ear! She shared about how she looked at this as her ministry-and maybe the only godly parenting that these kids would ever experience.
I just thought "Wow, thank you, God!"
Fostering isn't for everyone, but it is an open door to positively impact some children. They will look back on your time with them and remember what it was like to have someone in their lives who actually cared about them, prayed for them and lived out godliness as a foster parent for them.
I tip my hat in honor to all the Chrises, Franks, Carols, Jacks, Melindas, Graces, Dougs, Ruths, and everyone else who's taken on that challenge. They are really appreciated!
Think about it. Check it out. Is that a door that God is inviting you to walk through?
