OK, Lord, I need You to rein me in here, because I AM LIVID. This southern woman is about to show her redneck side. Ok, so here is what happened. I was driving home, minding my own business, listening to 102.5 The Bull. I am a proud supporter of country music. My daddy makes this joke about how I got my accent from watching CMT growing up, ok? Like it is my jam. But not today. Not 102.5 The Bull. Not Michael J.
I’m not sure if it was an advertisement or whatever it was, but it was tacky. The little clip started with something like: “I want yall to adopt me. And I won’t be like that kid that eats you out of house and home. I won’t be like that kid that has a beer party in your dining room.” That’s obvi not the exact phrasing or even the whole bit, because I was so mad I couldn’t see straight. He was making a joke or whatever, but I work with foster kids. Kids who desperately want and need actual adoptions. Ok, so I might be a little sensitive. I might even need to chill a little. But Lord, that kid that eats everything in the pantry, that kid didn’t eat so their siblings could. That kid that threw a rager in the living room, that kid never got told no because the “parental units” were too strung out to ever say no. Those kids have stories. Those kids are actively trying to sort out right and wrong. Those Paper Angels on the tree at the mall are actual kids. Be still my heart, those kids need You, Lord. And Lord, the people that made this little joke need You too.
Matthew 18: 4- 6 says: So anyone who becomes as humble as this little child is the greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven. “And anyone who welcomes a little child like this on my behalf is welcoming me. But if you cause one of these little ones who trusts in me to fall into sin, it would be better for you to have a large millstone tied around your neck and be drowned in the depths of the sea.
Lord, my love language is words. So I know for a fact, words matter. Period end of discussion. Those kids they were making jokes about, already feel isolated. At home. At school. At the store. And yes, even at church. They get looks every single place they go. They get singled out every where. Now they can’t even turn on the radio without being made fun of or singled out. We just went to this DHR event about “normalizing fostercare.” How can you do that when every where you turn, you are being treated differently? I’ve seen more hurt than I could have even imagined. I’ve seen deeper cuts than I can even fathom. Those kids’ stories will flat out bring me down to my knees.
But, Lord, I have also seen more grace. I have seen Your hand at work in their lives. I have seen them run to You. I have seen people extend so much kindness. If anyone doubts You, they literally just need to have a conversation with one of these kids. They know You are real.
Matthew 18: 10 says: “Beware that you don’t look down on any of these little ones. For I tell you that in heaven their angels are always in the presence of my heavenly Father.”
So, this is my prayer today. Abba, Father, I want to be in your presence. I want to hear you. I want to see you. I want to be close to you. I want you to take my heart and use it for you. Lord, I’m praying for sensitivity. I pray for kindness. I pray for gentleness. I pray for consideration. I pray for forgiveness. I pray for goodness. I pray for carefulness. I pray for tenderness. I pray for hope. I pray for grace. I pray for compassion. I pray for open hearts. I pray for courtesy. I pray for thoughtfulness. I pray for tact. I pray for understanding. I pray for decency. I pray for integrity. Lord, I pray for the guy that made the joke. I know he probably did not mean any harm. I pray that you keep my heart in check. I pray that I practice some patience of my own. And as always I pray for my family and sorority sisters. I pray for my university. I pray for guidance for our government, church, and school leaders. I pray for protection for our troops. I pray for all of those that need you now and for those that haven’t met you yet. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
southerngirlsprayers 