Day 21 – Oct. 21

“Bear one another’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” -Galatians 6:2

The essence of our Father’s compassion for orphans resonates throughout scripture. While not everyone may be called to foster or adopt, we all have a role to play in supporting orphan care. Assisting orphans can take on many forms of kindness and service. From providing a meal to a foster or adoptive family, to babysitting for a much-needed break, to offering words or a note of encouragement, and most importantly, dedicating fervent, heartfelt prayers for everyone involved in the foster care and adoption journey. In Arkansas alone, on average, there are over 5,000 children in the foster care system and numerous children in adoptive homes. A common challenge faced by foster and adoptive parents is the sense of isolation, misunderstanding, and the lack of resources to address helping with the trauma these children have experienced. However, there are numerous simple ways to assist these families, providing crucial support to help them care for these most vulnerable children.

Creator God, You have made us, so You know our hearts. You know the havoc that is wreaked upon children and families when foster care and adoption are left as the only options. You also have the power to redeem all things through love. We are grateful that you choose to do that through us – those that are called to foster and adopt, those that are called to support these families, and those that are called to facilitate resources on their behalf. Thank you for calling us to bear each other’s burdens – a beautiful and frightening call. By Your great love and compassion we are able to step into these roles, and by Your strength we are able to continue in the work. We confess that we sometimes choose selfishness, and we turn away from opportunities to love children and families in distress. Never allow us to become blind or deaf to the needs of those around us and may we joyfully bear the burden of displaced children together as we pray against the causes of displacement. Thank you for putting Your own Spirit inside us to teach us how to love like You. Hear our prayer, not just our words. Amen.