Diapers

by Vernon Jackson, FaithBridge foster dad


I got to my desk at the office the other day and kept smelling nasty diapers. I went to the restroom and washed my hands several times, but as the morning rolled on, the smell kept coming back. I went to one of the labs and got the strong antibacterial soap. Finally the smell was gone, but the memory lingered. 

I asked myself, “was there a message here?” In the silence of my office the answer returned: “yes.”

As hands that care for the children who have arrived in some traumatic and undesirable situations, we cannot avoid being stained. Every role requires that we go into tough places. As foster parents, case workers, case managers, DFCS staff, teachers and drivers or however God uses us to be a part of Him rescuing children to the better life that Jesus has for them, our perspective and attitude matter. Remember that if we smell or see stains on ourselves or others that it’s important to see the heart that cares and the sacrifice that person is making, ultimately all allowing God to work in us together.

Cover all who work with foster children in prayer. Don’t accuse each other of wrongdoings; you may not know the whole story. Bear one another’s burdens and fulfill the work of the One who called us into battle. Be humble and repent. Encourage one another.

We are pulling children up out of some nasty, smelly, dangerous places. This is our calling.

“Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.”

-Colossians 3:12-14