We often get asked about being foster parents. People seem to have a high degree of interest in foster care and we are always happy to talk about it with anyone who want to have a discussion. At some point in the conversation this phrase is uttered “I could never be a foster parent, it would be too hard to let them go.”
Of course it is hard. That is very true. Growing up without a loving home is harder still. According to the government there are over 400,000 kids in foster care in the United States. There is a need and the church needs to fill it. Caring for children in need is just loving your neighbor as yourself.
I think that sometimes we try to reason our way into inaction. Most of the time inaction is a fear based response. We’re afraid of what people might think or of what they might say. We afraid of our own inadequacies. We’re afraid of getting attached. But God used stuttering Moses to confront Pharaoh. He used unreliable Peter to build His church. So rejoice if you feel inadequate because you’re in pretty significant company.
We have a responsibility and a calling because we were not made for ourselves we were made for the big bold things God has prepared for us to do.
For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago. – Ephesians 2:10 (NLT)
New Living Translation (NLT) Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright© 1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved
Ryan North is the Co-Founder of One Big Happy Home and creator of The Empowered Parent Podcast. He is a recognized expert on childhood trauma, a TBRI Practitioner, and develops training materials for parents, schools, churches, and child-placing agencies. Ryan is a sought-after speaker known for his engaging and practical approach to communicating complex issues clearly and relatable to a wide range of audiences.