World Orphan Day

Today is a special day I had never heard of until Saturday night from my pastor's wife. Today is World Orphan Day. So, even though I've already written a post on the entire chapter I want to say something about James 1:27.

Pure and genuine religion in the sight of God the Father means caring for orphans and widows in their distress and refusing to let the world corrupt you.

It was especially touching to me to see Amy talking about her heart for this. She didn't offer any specific action steps. She just spoke passionately and read this scripture. Brannon and I often talk about how in our world, today's widows are single parents and today's orphans are kids in foster care.

So today, we put our life where our mouth is and take our final step towards becoming foster parents. As of today, our case study is finally done (after serious paperwork hang-ups since June). In the next couple of weeks, maybe for Thanksgiving, we'll have a new little friend from six weeks to three years of age in our homes. Tonight, for the first time all three of our kids seemed really excited about it. (They each have expressed excitement before, but this was the first time they all three seemed on the same page about it.)

So who is in distress in your world that needs your active caring? Read this chapter if you need a reminder about how it insists on action over sentiment. Just get out there and do something today about the poor and needy. (Oh, and don't let the world corrupt you either.)