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Barren but Blessed – Trusting God with the Rest
Surviving a Broken Heart
The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.
Psalm 34:18
Our first placement was a whirlwind. We received a call, constructed a bedroom and went from a family of two to a family of four in a matter of hours. We spent days meticulously eliminating head lice from tiny strands of hair and fell in love instantly. We wore our hearts on our sleeve and opened our home without an afterthought. Both children went to a relative three days later.
Our third placement came to us with “adoption being almost certain”. We spent the first night in the ER, with an infant, consoling the confused child. We gave a shower, extra hugs and kisses and sent him to court with his case worker. He never returned.
Our eighth placement spent her first birthday with us. We bought a new outfit, devoured cupcakes, took pictures and celebrated. We saw her for her second birthday, loved on her, added to the scrapbook and kissed her goodbye. Her third birthday has come and gone and her future birthdays likely won’t include us.
My heart hurts when I dwell on the memories, but Psalm 34:18 reminds me that the Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who is crushed in spirit. God has lifted me through the moments where I felt burdened by the sadness. He has bandaged my broken heart and applied the balm to make me ready to do it again.
Frequently, people will tell you they could not be foster parents. It’s too difficult they’ll say. They’re not strong enough they’ll admit. However, the truth is … none of us are! Thankfully, He is and He stays close to use in our times of despair. The weight of the world lands on our shoulders and we feel like we have to carry it alone, but we don’t. God is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.
As you feel your heart breaking or your shoulders sag under the pressure, seek the God who promises to stay close. Bury yourself in His word and promise to save you.
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