No God

David's Mommy N. called and left a message. She wanted to talk.

I had a feeling that she might be thinking of the upcoming court date we have for (A). I was right.

It is hard for her because it brings back memories of when she went to court about the boys. Those days were very hard on her.

She began recalling events prior to and after the hearing where her parental rights were terminated. It was a dark time for her. As she spoke, I could tell that she was beginning to re-experience some of the same emotions. I'll admit that it made me nervous, but she said it was good for her to start talking and remembering these things because before she had just tried to forget and push it away. I agreed.

She shared that after court that day...the day her rights were terminated...she went to church and spoke with a priest, but she couldn't stay. She couldn't believe that there was a God...she didn't want to ever go back. To her, there was no God.

Then the emotion changed over the phone as she described the first few times she joined us for church. She was so surprised that she actually understood a lot of what the pastor was saying (something about loving others because God loves us) and she was able to stay the entire time. She liked coming to church with us, but she didn't understand why.

I smiled and told her that I knew exactly why.

She wanted to know and so I told her that her son had been praying for her to join us for church....praying sweet prayers back when he was four years old because he wanted his mommy to know about the God who loves her SO much...just like him.

She cried a little. So did I.

God used this conversation to remind me yet again that his desire for us as foster parents is to help heal and restore....

Isaiah 58:
"12 Your people will rebuild the ancient ruins
    and will raise up the age-old foundations;
you will be called Repairer of Broken Walls,
    Restorer of Streets with Dwellings"

What a gift to see God at work as he heals Mommy N's heart and restores her to himself.