Hope for God’s Children

Today, God laid on my heart that I need to write about the children I work with—ones I tutor who are in a therapeutic group home.  The children that all, but a small group of caregivers, have forgotten about; the ones who are part of "the system."

I was thinking about the children I’ve met over the years and their families -- probably because it is the holiday season.  However, these children are different.  They are unable to be placed in the foster care system for a variety of reasons.  Either they’ve been in a foster home and are unable to be cared for due to behavioral issues, have been abused in some way, are a step away from juvenile detention or their parents are in jail. Yet, these are children just want a loving home, a warm bed, enough food to fill their stomachs and friends; yes, “real” friendships. 

When I was hired, I was told that they were looking for long-term tutors, primarily because these children need stability.  As a special education teacher, I totally understand that; children with special needs have to have a constant in their lives.  Since September, two tutors have already come and gone.  I can’t tell you, how much my heart hurts.  These children have already been through a lot; yet even those who were hired to support them, cannot see past their own needs.  Stability is vital for these children to thrive and do well.  They have had enough people come through their lives.  I know that they are not always the most lovable children; they don’t always bond, they may be sassy, or even downright disrespectful.  However, I “get it.”  Right now, the best they can hope for is they keep their noses clean enough so they don’t go to “juvey” (their nickname for juvenile detention).

 As we were approaching Thanksgiving, one little girl was particularly disrespectful to me.  In fact, they all were.  However, I noticed that this one child in particular, who has grown close to me over the months, was looking at pictures of her family on the Internet.  I asked her about them.  She was somewhat defensive but did answer my questions.  She stated how beautiful her sister was; what she didn’t know is how beautiful I think she is even though I told her.  Her response?  She laughed it off.  I asked her if she was going to visit her family over the holiday.  The answer; a resounding “no.”  You see, these small acts of defiance had very little to do with me.  In fact, I’m certain they had everything to do with the approaching holiday and where she would spend it and with whom.  We likewise have to make decisions about where we will spend the holidays and with whom, but we have a choice.  These children don’t.  

All of these children are flunking several classes.  However, I attribute it to the consistency and follow-up given by their house parents, rather than a testament to their knowledge.   And yes, I am not unaware of the amount of commitment it takes to be a house parent.  However, these children are definitely capable of learning concepts. 
 

Another problem?  They want to be accepted, but are not.  They are referred to as the "(fill in the name of care center) gang."  I cannot reveal the center’s name but know that they are called that by peers and teachers alike.  They are ostracized.  How would it feel to wake up every day and go to school where you know you are not particularly cared for, that you know you have no family to come home to and having friends come over is not an option.  It's tough, I'm sure.
 

I have tried for two months to get a youth group or Young Life group started up there.  I have spoken to some key people but get no response.  Are they really that busy or do they not care?  I’m not sure.  However, I feel God telling me that the children up there need some hope.   Hope that there is a God.  Hope that they are indeed beautiful – if not from the world’s view, then certainly in God’s view. 
 

One day, a little girl asked me if I was getting paid to go up there.  I told her, “yes.”  She asked me if I would come up there and work, even if I wasn’t paid.  I told her the truth.  “Probably, but not as many days as I do now – probably just one day a week.”  You see, if I had just said “Yes”, it would not have been an authentic response and there would be no trust.  One thing I definitely understand are trust issues.
 

The Christmas season is upon us.  The center looks very beautiful, with its holiday wreaths and trees.  It is like the island of misfit toys, as portrayed in the Christmas show, "Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer."  These children are the unwanted and discarded toys; those that are less than perfect.   I will probably be lambasted over the next few weeks with words.  But they are only words.  These, on the other hand, are God’s children.  

So, where do I go from here?  How can I help these children?  Much as I’d love to, I can’t take them all home with me.  I have been blessed to care for them for a short while; to tend to their educational needs.   I don’t know if I will have an impact – only God knows for sure.  However, I do know that in the end, the best I can hope for is that they feel God’s love being channeled through me.   Perhaps that is how He will instill the hope they so desperately need. 

"...But Jesus called the children to him and said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.” Luke 18: 15-17