For Reid's birthday, I wanted to do something special. I wanted to start a tradition that we can do every year. I shared with you an opportunity to love on other foster children. Well, I have to say we have the best village ever!
Here is Reid with 55 travel bags and 55 lunch thermals.
55 kids will receive this gift when they are placed into their foster home. What better opportunity to love on the least of these? So thank you, thank you! We are humbled by the generous donations in honor of Reid. We will be able to give these donations to the Bair Foundation offices in Dallas and in Tyler. Our prayer is that this gift will be a light to each child that receives one. Our hope is that for one moment they can feel excitement and joy when everything else seems to be out of control.
“You intended to harm me, but God intended it all for good. He brought me to this position so I could save the lives of many people.” Genesis 50:20
Beauty from ashes. Abandoned. Rescued. Redeemed.
Destined for death... until the Lord so gracious stepped in and rescued him. This is Reid’s story. But isn't it really all of ours? My guess is each of us can look back on a moment in life when everything seemed to be spinning out of control. When all hope seemed lost. That may be where you find yourself at this very moment. Let me just take a moment to encourage you. I can think back to several moments in my life when I felt hopeless in certain situations. But the Lord was always there. Whether I recognized Him or not. He was there waiting for me. As he is for you.
Sometimes life takes us places we never expected. Sometimes life deals us a hand that seems unfair or cruel. Wherever you may find yourself, know that God is never far away. It is in those places He can step in and do far than we could ever imagine. There is a purpose for the pain you are feeling. You never know who you will meet one day who is in the same situation you once found yourself. Who better to encourage and speak life into them than you?
"And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose." Romans 8:28
Beauty from ashes. I believe the Lord equips each of us to carry out his plans for our lives. We just have to unleash these gifts. There are opportunities all around us to give back.... to do more. To take the focus off ourselves and pour into the lives of others. How can you give back? Where has the Lord strategically placed you? There is no act that is ever too small. Maybe it's buying a bag and lunch box for a foster child. Maybe it's paying for someone's coffee. Maybe it's volunteering your time to serve those in need. I want to encourage you to think on this and ask the Lord what he would ask of you. I have no doubt you are where you are for a reason. You have a story. You have been saved. You are still here because the Lord still has a plan for you here on earth. How can you use this time he's given you to pour into others? I can't wait to hear from you opportunities that you've been given. If Reid's story inspires just one of you to step out in faith and do something you wouldn't have otherwise done... it will all be worth it.
Our prayer is that every minute of our lives would be meaningful and make a lasting impression on this world. Life on this side of heaven is not easy, it never will be. But we have hope in the One who can carry us through. We want each of you to fully know that same hope. So let's go....
Jesus, it's all for you..