Brave Heart

Single father. Foster parent. Teacher.

Any of the three aforementioned labels are enough to incite a spirit of sympathy. For each individual role carries with it an expectation of burden – a beautiful burden, mind you – but a burden, nonetheless.

Yet, this man’s heart was compelled to step into the beautiful mess, to walk headlong before a myriad of cannots and will nots with an attitude of why not and who says. It’s a brave choice. A wild choice. An inspiring choice.

Yet, there were questions along the way: questions of provision and routine and plausibility. It seems that Father Possibility has twin sons: Question and Folly. Whenever Question appears, Folly is by his side, ready to echo the foolishness of a decision leading to a personal sacrifice of comfort.

Do you hear those voices as you read this?

Yet, this man – the single foster parent teacher – was willing to ask the questions, bear the sound of folly, and continue on his path. Needs still remained: challenges endured – a long commute, wanting resources, and a seemingly incompatible schedule. He wanted to keep the boy in his home, but his circumstances made this possibility appear to be in conflict with reality. The social worker on the case noted the following:

“Because of the long commute he doesn’t get home till late at night. He would like the child to attend the school where he works because he can’t find a daycare that is open late enough for him to pick up the child after work. The school has before and after school daycare and are also offering the child a scholarship to help cover the cost.”

The school did what it could: offering the child a scholarship to help cover the cost. Yet, additional resources were needed to help cover the tuition.

That’s when the church stepped into the mess. The church honored this man’s brave heart, seeing his desire to serve another. Tuition costs could be covered. No new placement would be necessary. The father and his boy could stay together.

The Care Portal is not merely an avenue to provide physical goods. It’s an opportunity to speak hope and love and generosity into someone’s life. It’s enabling a single father to keep a child in his home. It’s providing clothes and confidence to a child preparing for a school, demonstrating charity and compassion to a mother praying for funds for the electrical bill. It’s stabilizing and aiding needy families, one request at a time.

Interested in taking part? Spread the word to your church. Contact us here for additional information.