Why?

I gave JJ a big hug on my last evening visiting the children's home.  As I always do, I told him that I would be praying for him and thinking of him in the coming year.  I told him to work hard in school and to listen to those who are in authority over him.  I told him to not grow up too much before next summer.  And through teary eyes, I reminded him that I love him.  With his arms wrapped around me, he looked up and asked, "Why?"  At first I didn't understand.  "Why what?"  I asked in reply.  "Why do you love me?"  What a heart-breaking question.  My only response, through the lump in my throat was, "Because you're JJ.  That's why I love you.  Because you're you."  I don't know if that response meant anything at all to a little boy, but the conversation impacted me.  

Amber said recently that JJ has started telling everyone that his mom is dead.  He'll just interrupt the middle of prayers and say, "My mom is dead."  It's true.  She died in childbirth and he was raised by his aunt until she could no longer care for him.  He was hospitalized as a little one who was malnourished before he made it to the children's home in Gonaives and then was brought to the children's home in Port au Prince after the floods.  So many of the children at the Rev Haiti Home have stories like JJ.  Loss, sickness, devastation, death, abandon, neglect, being orphaned and apparently forgotten - they are stories of the most desperate sadness you'll ever encounter.  I think it's in part because of the brokenness that these kiddos have experienced at such a young age that loving relationships are so hard for them to understand.  

In the coming year, I am determined to be a much better advocate for these dear ones.  I want to use my voice in my spheres of influence to remind myself and others that there are children like JJ in the world who question why someone would love them.  Orphaned and neglected children who have been given a second chance at a life and family.  Won't you join me in praying for these children?  Won't you consider learning more about the ministry at this one orphanage in this one country in this one time in history?  There are so many needs, but today I'm asking that we would all turn our attention to a little boy who doesn't understand why he's loved.  Let us think on the God who loved JJ and is orchestrating his life into a beautiful story of redemption.  And then, let us be quick to pray, quick to act, and quick to speak love into the lives of those around us!

Rev Haiti Home Link

Love in Christ, Jessie