Orphans and Heirs

In Christ, you’re no orphan. You’re an heir!

Years ago, parishioners Ernie and Ginnie developed a unique ministry in the orphanages. They invited kids to write poetry. What those kids have written over the years would stir you, bless you, and tickle you.

I’ve always been haunted by a particular poem of a young orphan named Juan. Juan entitled his poem “The Want of a Mom and Dad”:

Moms and dads are wonderful

For those people

That has a mom and dad.

Parents that guide you and teach you the right way

Not the wrong way.

As for me I never knew my mom.

My dad drunk all the time.

I don’t know what it is like

To have a mom and dad—

A dad to wrestle and play with

A mom to tell me everything is okay

When something is wrong.

Parents that really care for me.

Ones that will help me

Not abuse me.

I wish I had a mom and dad.

Why can’t I have a mom and dad

Like all the other kids?

In the second chapter of 1 Thessalonians, in the span of a few verses, Paul mentions being gentle “like a nursing mother” and being exhortative “like a father.” He’s saying simply: we were like both a mother and a father to you spiritually. We need both. We need someone like a mother to nurture us, love us unconditionally and hold us close. But we also need someone like a father to challenge us, awaken destiny within us and strengthen us.

“A dad to wrestle and play with” and a “mom to tell me everything is okay.” God is both to His children. He is perfect love that welcomes us and casts out fear. And He is perfect truth that points us toward a high calling. No matter what family brokenness you’ve experienced on earth, you’re no orphan in Christ. You’re an heir. And that’s the Gospel!