There’s never a dull day at the Promise House . . .
Yesterday Amanda came down with the crud and never made it out of bed. That left me with Sophia and four pregnant teenagers to tend to on my own. Actually I had some help from Keri, the other houseparent, who was still around before she went off duty.
In the midst of the that, a new girl was supposed to arrive. At about 11:00AM she did. Escorted by a policeman and with foot shackles in place. Apparently she had spent the night in jail and for that reason did not look too presentable. After some time with her we discovered that her schooling situation disqualified her from the Promise House program.
Amanda’s mom came in the evening to take care of Sophia while I took the girls to church. It was hard for me. During the music time I sort of lost it. I wasn’t sure why. I just felt really overwhelmed . . . about a lot of things I guess. About being back in the U.S. About how I don’t feel nearly as devoted to Jesus as I used to be.
Then I look up and see the backs of the four Promise House girls’ heads . . . sitting among kids they don’t have anything in common with. And I ask myself “Can I really love these girls?” “Can I really share life with these girls . . . and serve these girls?”
Nope. I can’t. I mean . . . . not on my own. And that’s pretty much how I live my life. Getting by (and doing pretty well) on my own. Without truly depending on the power of Jesus . . . his love, grace, truth.
So . . . I guess I can . . . because I follow Jesus
I’ve always kind of thought Philippians 4.13 was a whimpy, cliche verse. “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” I never really understood why it was so popular. I don’t think I really understood what it meant. I understand now. And it’s quickly becoming my daily bread.
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