Jesus Friend of Sinners

Apparently, I have not been very faithful at journaling; I just noticed that it has been a month since I last wrote. Not that the past month hasn’t been busy, in fact, busy is an understatement. However, in the whirlwind of the past month we have still managed to make significant process towards getting our foster care license. 

Tuesday, August 7th,  we attended the first of nine PRIDE classes. These classes are mandatory to receiving a foster care license and they are filled with much needed information covering a variety of subjects. They cover Teamwork, Meeting Developmental Needs- Attachment, Loss, and Discipline, Strengthening Family Relationships, Planning for Change, and Making an Informed Decision. These classes are set up to educate and to help families who aren’t sure that Foster Care is for them make an educated decision. For Daniel and I, these classes are purely educational and I am very excited to learn everything I can.

Last week as we met our classmates it was so amazing to hear why each one was there. Most were like Daniel and I looking to help those in need, while others had much deeper personal reasons for being there. One couple in particular really touched my heart – they are getting their foster care license to help their best friend. This couple is in their late 50’s and their best friend currently has custody of her three young grandchildren. Last year their best friend had a heart attack and minor stroke. She has regained her strength and is able to take care of her grandkids. The couple in our class recognized the uncertainty of her health and decided to get their license in case something happens to her and she is unable to care for her grandkids. If her health declines they plan to foster these children so they don’t get taken into the foster care system and separated. Their story touched my heart. I can’t remember their names, but I do know that they have often been on my mind and in my prayers. The selflessness of their love is soo evident and touching it brings tears to my eyes.  

I can’t really explain how I felt as we walked out the doors to our car, but when Daniel dropped me off in Morton to pick up my jeep I turned on Casting Crowns and these words touched a very raw place in my heart…

Jesus Friend of sinners we have strayed so far away
We cut down people in your name but the sword was never ours to swing
Jesus friend of sinners the truth's become so hard to see
The world is on their way to You but they're tripping over me
Always looking around but never looking up I'm so double minded
A plank eyed saint with dirty hands and a heart divided

Oh Jesus friend of sinners
Open our eyes to the world at the end of our pointing fingers
Let our hearts be led by mercy
Help us reach with open hearts and open doors
Oh Jesus friend of sinners break our hearts for what breaks yours

Yeah,yeah,yeah

Jesus friend of sinners the one who's writing in the sand
Make the righteous turn away and the stones fall from their hands
Help us to remember we are all the least of thieves
Let the memory of Your mercy bring your people to their knees

Nobody knows what we're for only what we're against when we
judge the wounded
What if we put down our signs crossed over the lines and love like You did.

Oh Jesus friend of sinners
Open our eyes to the world at the end of our pointing fingers
Let our hearts be led by mercy
Help us reach with open hearts and open doors
Oh Jesus friend of sinners break our hearts for what breaks yours

You love every lost cause; you reach for the outcast
For the leper and the lame; they're the reason that You came
Lord I was that lost cause and I was the outcast
But you died for sinners just like me a grateful leper at Your feet

'Cause You are good, You are good And Your love endures forever
You are good, You are good and Your love endures forever
You are good, You are good and Your love endures forever
You are good, You are good and Your love endures forever

Oh Jesus friend of sinners
Open our eyes to the world at the end of our pointing fingers
Let our hearts be led by mercy
Help us reach with open hearts and open doors
Oh Jesus friend of sinners break our hearts for what breaks Yours

And I was the lost cause and I was the outcast
Yeah
You died for sinners just like me, a grateful leper at Your feet

This song has brought me to tears so many times in the past months as I prayed for God to show me His will and just like before the tears flowed as I drove home Tuesday night…

My prayer as we continue this journey is that I can be a willing vessel for the Lord. That He will continue to mold me into the mother He desires me to be. I pray that my pride, selfishness, and stubbornness can be overcome with a humble, patient, and selfless heart. I pray that the final words of the song can resonate in my heart and leave me soft and moldable in the Father’s hands.

You love every lost cause; you reach for the outcast
For the leper and the lame; they're the reason that You came
Lord I was that lost cause and I was the outcast
But you died for sinners just like me a grateful leper at Your feet