I’ve been thinking a lot about what my next blog post should be, following the story of how I lost my Mama just before Christmas. No matter what topic came to mind, nothing seemed right to say because my heart is still broken. It’s hard to move on; it’s hard to talk about anything normal anymore. Everything else just seems so trivial compared to our “forever” journeys.
Even though Mama’s departure was so beautifully orchestrated, with my sister and I by her side, she’s still gone from my life here. There are still days when I’m on the floor wondering if this is real or just a horrible dream. I don’t understand why I’m parentless already, and how my 2-year old daughter will grow up never having the joy of knowing her grandparents.
I just can’t fix my broken heart. Only Jesus can do that.
But there are still things I CAN do. I can continue to live with a greater purpose outside of myself. I can still give hope to others in need. I may be heartbroken, but I can still be the change I wish to see in the world.
So let me share with you a better Christmas story from 2018.
My local church hosted a Christmas concert by Michael W. Smith that year, and I was SO excited to go with my husband. Michael did not disappoint; there was a packed house, and it was a beautiful show!
During a portion of the concert, Michael W. Smith shared his experience as a Compassion International sponsor, and his story brought me to tears. I immediately knew that David and I were meant to become sponsors for a child in need. When the time came, I raised my hand for a sponsor packet, and God gave us a boy in the Philippines as our first Compassion child.
Being his sponsor has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. He blesses us more than we could have ever blessed him. We have shared letters and cards, and we get to watch him grow up, while helping to provide him with the basic needs that every kid should have. I love that Compassion not only fills their bellies, but their spirits as well. These children are connected with churches and people to help them grow and break free from poverty. Compassion is a beautiful organization, and I am SO glad we found them.
Today I felt a God-nudge to sponsor another child in need. We were connected with a 5-year old girl in Africa who lives in an HIV/AIDS affected area, and is considered high risk for exploitation. She’s been waiting for a sponsor for over a year; as of today, she has us.
If you feel the love in your heart for these children as I do, all you have to do is cancel one family restaurant meal each month to be a blessing to them. $38 a month is all it takes. Please, be the change. Hope starts with you; help a child in need today.
Blessings,
Emily