Real

This is an email I just sent to mom to fill her in and give my opinion to her wondering what exactly Jesus meant when He told us to care for the widows and orphans.

It's pretty raw, but honest.  The honeymoon period may be ending already... it is definitely easier to believe in giving our lives to Christ than actually doing it.

I believe that Jesus meant that widows and orphans need homes -- safe, clean, Christ-filled homes.  Part of me would love to believe that he meant for us to send checks or walk to raise money or support institutions...but I think the bottom line is that to truly care for them, we have to love them -- love them as much as ourselves.  

It is terribly hard, and C had an especially frantic morning today.  I feel guilty sending him to school.  I'm hopeful that his medicine will kick in and he'll be able to maintain.  

Jason reached his breaking point yesterday afternoon, and God graciously pulled me back from the edge to be the calm one.    As hard as it is, I also think that Charlie seeing C at his worst, shows him there is a great need and a great difference.  I am hoping that it will help him step into a compassionate, caretaker role of "older" brother -- even though they are almost exactly the same age.  I think that would be good for him -- and possibly the only way we'll all keep our sanity.

It is very hard to believe in something so strongly and at the same time want to go back to our easy life.  I can honestly say, though, this whole experience has transformed our family's prayer life, dependence on God and awareness of our weakness.  It's truly life-changing.  I guess it's what James was talking about -- in those verses that sound so good until you live them.

"Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness.  And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing."

(James 1:2-4)