Today I had the privilege of helping a life group start the New Year marking a deeper commitment in planting seeds of hope to 11 foster youths. The evening training a few weeks back left nervous feelings for most as they approached this morning. As we arrived today at the group home it felt awkward for almost everyone. Thoughts of “what if’s” “will they like us” “what have I gotten into” all fluttered everyone’s mind at some point.
The day began with all they boys running out and immediately starting a soccer game with the men. Together as women and girls we played a” get to know you game.” We found out names, favorite foods, colors, tv show’s – as simple questions were being answered I noticed the joy on faces of the youth as someone was taking notice of who they were. During the game I took a glance at the boys and noticed the intensity of competition even among 10 year old boys and middle aged men. (yes some men were younger) Later I learned that in the middle of a game of soccer two boys had shared they were meeting new foster parents soon. I wonder in the middle of any game you have played as a child what would have been your conversation? Would it have been like that?
Women engaged in dress up, puppets and the old faithful game of twister. The men went on to basketball. I sat with two youths playing the game outburst. Our fun and “outburst” attracted a few others as we all engaged in answering questions such as ”name 10 animals you keep in a cage or bowl”? Can you name them? I noticed how the game took us all away from the reality of our world and gave us a feeling of attentiveness. For the two youth having so much fun and fully engaged I image for them it was a brief relief in a life of hurt and pain.
In two short hours 11 kids and 11 adults came together in a circle and listened with eager ears to the story of David and Goliath. In the beginning they knew Goliath to be the big pickle in the show Veggie Tales and in the end they learned the story of David and his great faith being courageous and conquering the Goliath of the Bible not Veggie Tales. We closed with the question what does being “courageous” look to like to you? As we went around the circle young boys and girls ages 6-12 had answers such as:
”If you don’t know how to read or write and never went to school its ok you will learn”
“Even if you are shy keep trying to make friends”
“If someone is picking on you at school it is ok to tell the teacher”
“Keep trusting God like David did”
At 7 years old what courageous would have looked like to me would have been if I could jump the bike ramp my brothers set up and dared me to take on. Today I learned a little something about courage from 11 youth living a life of abandonment and neglect.
As I journey into the new year I resolve to continue to look at the word “courageous” and what that looks like in my life. How do I continue to stretch myself to continue to be a warrior on the frontline.
I wonder what does it look like for you? I look forward to hearing that answer……..
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