The Difference

I hope my heart always remains willing to go and do what I'm asked to impact this hurting world.

For most of our lives, when people find out something about my husband or me, they say something like:
"it takes a special person..."
"you must really like what you do..."
"I don't know how you do it..."
"well, I sure couldn't do it.."
or even "I'm glad that isn't my calling..."

They may be referring to any one of the things that we have done with our lives:
- my work with survivors of violence - especially sexual violence
- his work with severely emotionally disturbed kids in a day treatment setting
- working with tough youth and their (sometimes tougher) families
- working in a group home with adults with disabilities
- being a foster parent
- parenting kids with extra needs
- driving a mini-van full of kids
- juggling work and kids (and all their appointments!)
- wanting to adopt a child who is different in ethnicity, culture & nationality
or anything else that makes the life we have chosen different from lots of people we know and love. For years, the only response that seemed to come to either one of us was to smile in uncomfortable acceptance that we are different, while inside we wanted to say "well someone has to!".

All of us have gifts, skills and experiences to use. All of us. Those of us who choose a "different" path are no better, blessed, worthy, or prepared than anyone else. The only difference is we are willing... And God meets us on the path.

"For I have set the Lord always before me, because He is at my right hand I will not be shaken." Psalm 16:8

I know I am not alone with this restlessness to impact my community, country, and world - to touch people with Christ's love. It encourages me to know others who feel a similar call to roll up their sleeves and get a little dirty. I wish there was a way to find all of the other willing hearts out there.

I invite you to share a bit of my journey...