One Not Forsaken

Last night as I came home from our special Monday night class for the month of October and went in to my children's bedrooms as they had just been put down for the night. I went in and gave Isabella a goodnight kiss and then did the same for William. He looked sad and I asked what was up and he responded with a, "I don't want to talk about it." I said ok and then went to talk with Cade and give him a goodnight kiss as well. On my way out the door, William looked up at me and I could tell he wanted to talk. I sat next to him and asked what was wrong. He then told a story of how there were kids at the school who did not like him. And he was sad.

Now, having gone through eight or more years of being made fun of on a daily basis and being an outcast in school, I wanted to help him get a grasp on what was happening. We spent 15 to 20 minutes talking. I told him that there were people who just did not like his daddy too. He seemed to connect with me. I shared how what others think of us does not affect who we are, nor change any of God's blessings in our life. He understood this and seemed to get better. We continued talking with the single tears every once in a while cascading down his cheek. Finally I said, "Will, what others think doesn't change anything about your life." I realized I was wrong when his eyes filled immediately with tears and they rolled out as he spoke these words, "But it hurts my heart..."

How many people around us are in the same boat? How many people walk through life trying to not let things affect them, or get under their skin, but ultimately are hurt in heart. I looked down at William and realized so much of what Jesus' ministry was while on this earth. I had no more wise or instructing words, I simply leaned in, clutched his head to my chest as he let loose and said, "I know what you mean..."

After crying for a while, he stopped and I could see a marked difference. I am reminded that many times our ministry of healing in the church is not to always attempt to fix situations, but to heal hearts through empathy and compassion.