We all know Moms are angels in disguise. I have fond memories of how my own mother loved us with this sweet, comforting, selfless love. As an adult, I felt a yearning in my heart to nurture and care for those in need, especially children. My mother inspired me to be the best Mama I could be and not long after my firstborn arrived, my heart grew for giving other children in our community. I had a desire for all God’s children to experience unconditional love. About a year ago, God placed the Building Families programs in my path and we have surely been blessed more than we are blessing.
Many parents today are faced with the lack of support they need to truly thrive and help their children grow. Whether it is for a few hours or a few months, it has been our privilege to serve the “strangers” that we now call friends. We are honored that we can love and care for their children as the team works to strengthen the biological parents.
We have seen firsthand how this program is working miracles in our community. Last fall we got the call to care for a precious, two-year old girl while her father got back on his feet. We answered with an emphatic “Yes!” and have had the pleasure of caring for his sweet child off and on for the last several months. We’ve consoled her when she got “boo boos” and celebrated with her during her milestones. When she goes back home our children call it “Happy/Sad Day!” This humbling experience has drawn us closer as a family.
I’d like to think that my mother’s Agape love for me grew my heart’s love for others. Ultimately God’s love started it all. Like it says in 1 John 4:19, “We love because he first loved us.” If we can spread even just a little bit of this love to others, what an enormous gift we can give to everyone involved. While it is not always easy, the equation is not hard: Love = Love.
By Colleen Newman, Volunteer Host Family with Safe Families for Children