We made it through our first week of Foster Parent classes. The 1st night was pretty much a typical 1st night in any class, lots of introductions, handing out paperwork, etc. It was pretty much boring for us b/c I'd already met with the social worker a couple times and we have completed the 1st round of paperwork. It did, however, spark some serious convo between Luke and I. We have been talking about what risks we are willing to take. This is something we have to decide for ourselves and at what price do we risk the health and stability of our home?
In my reading, I have learned that when God created Eve He called her Adam's "helper" or "help meet." I used to see this as a lesser role, inferior to Adam. However, God has revealed to me that although women are indeed Biblically required to be submissive to their husbands, that does not mean that the role that I play is less than that of Luke. In face, when God named Eve as Adam's helper, the specific word he used is (something greek) EZER. This ezer word was only used to describe a human being or thing just this 1 time. All other times that this form of the word helper was used in scripture, it was referring to the way that God helps us. He is our rescuer, our redeemer and our help (ezer) in our time of need. For me that is profound. The way that this all ties back to foster care is this:
God wants to be my helper. He desperately wants to rescue me, just as much as I desperately want to be rescued. However, if I never take a risk, I never take a step out on faith and allow myself to be in a dangerous situation, then God never has the chance to help me, to be my ezer.
Amazing. Therefore, I'm willing to risk some things. As I've said before, I won't jump off a cliff and expect God to bail me out. But I will follow His lead, even if it is into risky territory. How else can I find God as my Ezer? I certainly want to know Him on that intimate level.
Yesterday, the social worker called and said she'd received our clearance letters. That basically means that she can start completing our paper work so that we can be processed to become licensed. Once again, a decision. Do we keep playing it safe, take all 10 classes and then make a decision? Or, do we step out on faith, know that God is leading us, and if trouble arises allow Him to be our Ezer? For me, easy answer.
Hope you're ready God, b/c here we come!
Hello! I saw your post on Nathan Lawrenson's blog and I just thought we might have some things in common. I've got 3 kids, ages 8, 6 and 4. I was looking at your picture and I SO remember those days!!! Anyway, just thought I'd say hello!
ReplyDeleteI did not know that about Eve. That does give me a new perspective and appreciation for my role as a wife. Thanks for sharing....
ReplyDeleteand as for my out-of-date blogs... you'll get it when I get it... get it?
OH MY WORD GIRL! Go get it!
ReplyDeleteAs christians we can be so busy saying "we need to take more risks" But thats just it, we only SAY that and we don't DO that. The number 1 question that seems to come from people is "Is it safe?" Do you think the disciples made sure it was "safe" before they went out to Judea, Samara and to the ends of the earth. Jesus didn't say "Pick up and your cross and follow me... but only when it's safe." What if before Peter stepped onto the water he had asked "Jesus, is it safe?" He might as well have strapped bricks on his feet.
I love you and I love the way you think. Thank you for that!