Orphan Sunday 2012

How then shall we treat this day? It isn't a holiday, although most folks are enjoying the day off this Sunday. There are no festive parties to dress up for and partake of another excuse for gluttony. The day passes without most people realizing it ever even happened. Orphan Sunday... It's the day that sets us back on the right path to do what God has commanded us. Pure and lasting religion in the sight of God our Father, means that we must care for orphans and widows in their troubles and refuse to let the world corrupt us. (James 1:27). Notice James writes the word lasting? As in continuing, remaining and constant...Our faith walk, our worship should not only be reserved for Sunday mornings but should be continuous, everyday. This means that everyday, not just Orphan Sunday should be a time to serve our most vulnerable. James knew how hard this would be because the second half of that verse challenges us to not let the world corrupt us.  It is too easy to forget our most vulnerable. Orphans are hidden away in orphanages; our elderly are warehoused in nursing homes; unborn are ripped from the safety of their mother's womb behind closed doors. The 'least of these' are easy to overlook because unless you go out of your way to serve them, you'll never see them. Today we look at ourselves and ask, am I doing enough? Am I doing what the Lord has asked of me? For most the answer is a resounding "no!" It's the day when you remind yourself that the Lord may not say "well done, my good and faithful servant"(Matt 25:21a), but rather, "when you refused to help the least of these brothers and sisters, you were refusing to help me."  (Matt 25:45)  Ouch! So back to my question...what shall I do with Orphan Sunday? Well, the bake sales and feel-good pep rallies are good but when Sunday is over what do we do? My hope and prayer is that we would consider serving these vulnerables as our act of worship to our Father each day. Why can't everyday be Orphan Sunday? Don't let the world mislead you, causing you to forget these children until next year's Orphan Sunday.  For some this might mean you adopt one of these children into your own family. For others it might mean you pray for them daily. Some people are able to give money and support orphan care or adoptions. Others are really good at getting the word out and advocating for these kids and their adoptions. No one usually does it all but everyone can do something.

My Angel Tree child is Garrett.  He is not even three years old and has yet to know the love of a family. Can you imagine being born into this world with no one to rely on. No one to cuddle you when you're scared or hurting. No one to stay up with you half the night as your body rages with the flu. I cannot imagine his life...All I know is that I want to give him the chance to experience unconditional love and a family. My hope is to raise $1000 to help his family complete their adoption. Please consider partnering with me to help Garrett!


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