Fostering Love

 “Jesus took the children in His arms and blessed them." ~ Mark 10:16

At thirty years old, divorce seemed the only way Lamont Thomas, from Buffalo, NY could be himself again, breathe again. He felt little remorse and was anxious to move on.  

With a poverty rate significantly higher than the national average, and nearly 40% of Buffalo’s children living in poverty, the custodial father of two watched many of his friends’ kids being taken from their parents and consigned to the public childcare system.

He asked his two biological children, Anthony and LaMonica, if they would mind sharing their home with other kids who desperately needed a place to live and a family. They readily agreed. Lamont got certified and became a foster parent.

His first foster kid was Michael Perez in 2001. Over the next 15 years, he fostered more than 30 additional children, all as a single parent, to make a difference in every life.

Over the years, his youngsters grew into adults, and for the first time, he was alone again in a quiet house. He tried filling his time with fishing and some traveling, but that didn't last for long.

When the retired caterer learned that five siblings, all under the age of 6, were about to be permanently split up, God’s call was too powerful to ignore.

They’d been temporarily separated in four different homes in four different cities for more than a year already.

Siblings in foster care often get placed in separate homes, which furthers their trauma by bringing on emotional anxiety, guilt, and grief. In many cases, siblings also lose contact with one another when separated. Lamont fought to ensure this sibling group would have a different story.

The adoption ceremony was a festive affair. Thomas and his new sons were clad in dapper suits, while his adorable daughters wore matching satin dresses and tiaras. The courtroom erupted in boisterous applause as the judge announced that Zendaya (5), Jamel (4) Nakia (3), Major (2), and Michaela (1) had been officially adopted.

Sometimes the most extraordinary heroes are hiding in ordinary homes on ordinary streets. They just have extraordinary hearts. Now this incredible man is father to 12 children – 10 adopted and 2 biological. And five siblings finally have what every child deserves: a chance to grow up together.

Over 400,000 children are currently in foster care across the country. Without people like Thomas in their lives, foster children are much more likely to struggle in life. A quarter will end up homeless. Twenty-seven (27) percent of males and 10 percent of females will spend time in prison at least once. Thank God for people like Lamont who make a difference in the lives of vulnerable children who need their love and help the most.

Gracious and loving Father, we pray for inspiration and strength for the foster parents within our communities. Give them understanding, patience, and grace as they offer a chance for children to live a better life than they were born into. Amen

Autumn's Serenade

 “Grasses wither and flowers fade, but God’s Word endures forever.” ~ Isaiah 40:8

Just a few days ago, the Earth experienced the Autumnal Equinox. On September 22^nd, the sun shone directly on the equator; both hemispheres experienced 12 hours of daylight.

Autumn has always been my favorite season - a strange mixture of nostalgia, blessings, and potential. My thoughts turn to scarlet and gold, cooler nights, and flannel shirts. They evoke fond memories of fall sports, raking leaves, and picking apples.

I close my eyes and allow a gentle breeze to tousle my hair, breathing in God’s autumn fragrance, as if our Divine Editor had taken a shift change. It’s a season filled with so much to be grateful for: autumn festivals, seasonal flavors, and outdoor adventures. The joy of snuggling up with a good book on the sofa with a hot cup of coffee and my sweet puppy is hard to beat.

Autumn is an excellent time to reflect on the year's accomplishments and plan for new beginnings. Bears enter a deep, inactive state to survive winter. Squirrels stockpile acorns, and trees shed their leaves, giving them a healthy start in the spring.

It's the perfect time for me to do some of the same!

We marvel at the magic of autumn’s vivid canvas of color and applaud nature’s wardrobe change. Yet we humans tend to resist change.

While some changes invite desired new beginnings, other changes may overwhelm, even bring sadness. Yet as I ponder both desired and unwanted changes in my life, the transformation of stale, uninspired routines often inspire positive behavioral outcomes.

When I watch leaves drift gently from their branches, I marvel at how easily they let go. At just the right time, they release and float to the ground. Trees' sacrifice of their leaves in the Fall reveals more of God’s wisdom. Shedding their leaves conserves energy and water, making room for new growth in the Spring.

Clinging to old ways of doing things and refusing to remove poor habits keeps us from embracing life fully. Autumn reminds us to trust God while releasing past bad behaviors and expectations, allowing God to nourish new growth in us.

Autumn reminds us that God is always near. Seasons come and go, but God remains consistent. During times waiting for something extraordinary in our lives, let’s spend time preparing our hearts and renewing our spirits. It’s in our longing that we encounter God.

Let’s also claim autumn’s hues in our lives. Brown holds for us stability, protection, and simplicity. Red excites passion, love, and adventure. Orange offers balance, warmth, and freedom. Finally, magenta brings harmony and purple prompts imagination, deep spirituality, and transformation.

Autumn’s rich hues offer but a glimpse into the richness and diversity God has planned for us. So stay alert for all that matters most.

Father God, as the leaves begin to fall, we’re reminded of all that’s impermanent in our lives. No matter what tomorrow brings, You remain close and constant. Help me to cling to You for all seasons. Amen

Hero Daughter

 “Don’t let anyone look down on you because you’re young." ~ 1 Timothy 4:12

When air conditioning refrigerant spilled onto her Dad's hands, leaving them badly burned and unusable for months, two-year-old Vara could only provide affection. But she gave him all she could. As she matured, she became the glue that held her family together.

Vara’s Dad, Clint, barely knew his father, who died from a heart attack at 32. Construction work kept him healthy and vigorous. So, when his chest and left arm hurt, he disregarded the warning as the aches and pains that come from approaching 50.

On the Saturday before Thanksgiving 2024, and four days after celebrating her 11th birthday, Vara watched her dad collapse. The situation escalated quickly; his heart had stopped.

Vara’s world shifted from normal childhood routines to a perilous situation where every second mattered. With incredible composure, the young Girl Scout immediately called 911, unlocked the front door, and started CPR. Even as she worried about what life would be like without her Dad, she performed chest compressions for about five to seven minutes until paramedics arrived.

Her swift, textbook response went a long way toward saving her dad's life. Dr. Talreja, Chief of Cardiology, explained. “Clint experienced sudden cardiac death. He collapsed with no heartbeat or pulse. He was clinically dead. Vara’s use of CPR kept oxygenated blood flowing to her Dad’s brain until his heart could be restarted. She saved his life!"

How did this pre-teen know CPR?

Just two weeks earlier, Vara practiced CPR on a dummy during a Girl Scout training session. She was the only person in the class to successfully save “Resusci Annie” (the mannequin’s lights turn green for doing it correctly).

She’d learned the warning signs and the importance of seeking help immediately. Her practice on ‘Annie” had substituted fear with focus, and an unwavering resolve to do what was necessary.

Two months later, Clint returned home from the hospital. He’s following a strict recovery plan and has steadily regained strength. The best part of this story might be the deep, loving bond he enjoys with his daughter. This divine intervention not only saved his life but also transformed him into a healthier person who values life more.

God uses people of all ages to change the course of history. Moses, a stutterer, was called to teach and lead the people of Israel. Abraham and Sarah were told they were too old to have a baby, but they gave birth to a nation. God gave Vara the strength to recall her CPR training and the courage to help her father when every second counted.

There’s nothing we can do to disqualify ourselves from being a candidate whom God chooses to work through! We are all ordinary… but can do amazing things with God’s help.

“Use my hands, use my feet, to make Your kingdom come. To the corners of the earth until Your work is done. Faith without works is dead. On the cross, Your blood was shed, so how could we not give it away so freely?” ~ Brandon Heath

Sacred Gift

 “I chose you before you formed in the womb; I set you apart for special work.” ~ Jerimiah 1:5

A brilliant late-summer day welcomed Olivia into this world. Her smile was as sweet as a summer strawberry and filled her Mom, Jules, with sunshine she never knew existed. The first time she held her sacred gift, she burst with joy and gratitude, anxious to begin her new life as a mother.

From conception, Jule’s body instinctively shifted, providing essential care to the fetus. Now her nausea, pain, and the plethora of body changes seem almost a distant memory. From this moment, she would do everything in her power to protect and care for her baby, no matter the cost.

Olivia was perfect in every way. It’s the greatest gift God can bestow, a Divine blessing of love to be nurtured. The joy of a firstborn child is universe-altering, bringing a transformative blend of overwhelming bliss, intense love, and a deep sense of purpose.

Although birth isn’t technically considered a miracle, there was one birth in the history of the world that was truly miraculous. Mary, a virgin, conceived Him through the supernatural power of the Holy Spirit.

We imagine Mary clasping her beloved infant and pondering, as all new mothers do, what would become of Him. That tightly swaddled babe must have nuzzled and cooed at His mother’s touch as she gazed into the angelic face and thanked God for Him.

Think too, how Joseph must have assumed his paternal role, loving that tiny tot as his own, taking on the mantle of protector and provider. Jesus would go on to sacrifice His own life for us, wanting nothing more than to have a relationship with us.

Still, it’s an awe-inspiring process as new life comes into existence. The moment Jules and her husband Derek held their newborn created a powerful, unbreakable bond, forever changing their perspective on the world and their priorities.

In a world that can sometimes seem uncertain and chaotic, the birth of a child is a source of hope: hope in the blessings of life and the joys of a new family member. A hope that she reaches her full potential and that her life is lived fully and prolifically. And a hope for the future and how the next generation shapes it.

It compels us to think more deeply about things that matter to us as individuals, as families, and as communities.

A new life doesn't open as a present, with pretty ribbons and comfortable assurances, but more as an adventurous journey with a degree of fog and chill. It takes a brave heart to embrace it, strong feet to travel it, and bold eyes to remain open to its curves and fluctuations. Mothers often get a glimpse of that better than the rest of us do.

Lord, bless this tiny bundle of pure joy. Guard and shield her as she grows. Help this child of Yours know that she is deeply, wholly, and forever loved – by You, and by all of us. Amen

Righting a Wrong

 “God sent His Son to make peace between Himself and us.” ~ 2 Corinthians 5:18

Olympic boxing has been rife with charges of cheating for decades. Controversies ranged from corrupt judging to broader issues within its former governing body, the International Boxing Association. These problems have robbed deserving athletes of their medals, leading to major reforms and the expulsion of the IBA from all future Games.

Perhaps the most brazenly appalling decision came in Seoul ‘88 games when Roy Jones took on South Korea’s Park Si-hun in the light middleweight gold medal match.

American 19-year-old Jones blazed his way to the final with a flurry of punishing left hooks and Muhammad Ali-like footwork. Park (23) had been far less impressive on his home turf. Some experts felt he should’ve lost all four of his fights on the way to the final.

Jones dominated the light middleweight gold medal bout against Park. He barely raised his guard, pummeling Park with 86 punches to Park’s meagre 32. The Korean even took two standing eight-counts and was warned twice by the referee.

Judges from the Soviet Union and Hungary voted Jones the clear winner. Those from Uganda, Uruguay, and Morocco gave Park the win. To the astonishment of spectators worldwide, the referee declared Park the winner by a 3-2 margin.

Before they left the ring, Park apologized to Jones and acknowledged his unfair victory. The medal ceremony was awkward: Jones received huge cheers; Park couldn’t have looked more embarrassed. He held the American’s fist aloft.

After the fight, the three judges who declared Park the winner were suspended for six months. Two of them were later banned from competitions for life.

As a result of widespread criticism, Park’s life took a downward spiral. He battled severe depression, facing multiple suicide attempts and the burden of being maligned in his home country.

Roy Jones refused to let the incident define his career. Motivated by his Christian faith, Roy Jones cemented his legacy by holding multiple world championships in four weight classes, including the heavyweight championship of the world.

The long-awaited day of reckoning came 35 years later. Jones, believing he was heading to the gym for a routine on-camera interview, was shocked to find Park Si Hun standing in the boxing ring. In a heartwarming and emotional scene, Park greeted Jones warmly and, in a moment of redemption and with the IOC’s final approval, returned the ‘stolen’ Olympic gold medal he’d received in 1988 to its rightful champion.

“This belongs to you,” said Park via translation. “I often wondered how my life would have been happier had I finished second.”

Their exchange symbolizes a powerful act of contrition, reconciliation, and faithfulness. “Life is like boxing,” said Jones, “when you get knocked down, get back up! Keep moving, keep fighting, keep believing in Christ!”

“I'm waiting on You Lord, and I’m hopeful. Though it’s painful, I will wait patiently. I will serve and worship You even while I wait and move ahead bold and confident, taking every step in obedience.” ~ John Waller “While I’m Waiting” lyrics 2007

Listen Slowly

“Be still and listen to the One who is speaking.” ~ Hebrews 12:25

For Chen, nothing beat the City, with its life, noise, and neon signs; he was constantly moving to his next obligation. His life was filled with subway rides, crowded streets, and late-night dinner meetings. The son of Chinese immigrants had something to prove.

Staying busy was his medal of honor- a marker of self-worth. He wore it proudly as if to affirm his importance and status.

However, over time, he began spiraling. The rush of the work that used to excite him now gripped him with exhaustion, his brain twitching with ideas he couldn’t silence, not even in the darkest hours of the night. Others recognized it.

Chen just hadn’t admitted it to himself yet.

His wife and four-year-old daughter, Mei, choked down food at mealtimes, Chen glued to his iPhone, answering emails and irritated by any interruptions. His frantic, hurry-up lifestyle was becoming unbearable.

One evening after supper, Mei wanted to tell her Dad something important that’d happened at school that day. She began hastily, “Daddy, I wanna tell you somethin’ and I’ll tell you really fast!”

Realizing her frustration, Chen said quickly, “Honey, you can tell me - and you don’t have to hurry. Tell me slowly.”

Chen would never forget her answer in a timid voice and with adoring eyes: “Then listen slowly.”

His embarrassment was immediate, genuine, and intense. He realized at least two things at once: first, that his sweet, angelic, baby girl had shown tremendous courage. Second, it was time to own it, apologize, and show the same bravery by changing his lifestyle before it was too late.

Busy can mean productive. And since society values productivity in a “doing culture,” that’s exactly what it promotes. When we’re constantly busy, there’s a certain rhythm to life. We wake up before the alarm rings, we grab breakfast on the way out, power through work, and move from one task to the next without pausing. Moving fast doesn’t necessarily mean we’re accomplishing more.

But when things slow down, everything sounds different. We start to hear things previously ignored - a child’s laughter, a hushed whisper, God’s message. He puts people, situations, and things in our daily paths that we’ll never completely understand. But He’s always present.

During a busy day, conversations can seem like just another notch on our to-do list. But when we slow down, we listen differently. We catch the warmth in someone’s voice, the meaning behind their pauses, and the way they choose their words. Conversations become richer, more meaningful, and more connected.

Chen, the man who rushed through life, the one who’s always too busy, the father who finds it difficult to stop moving … is learning to be still.

Lord, thank You for Your patience with me. You’re never in a rush when I come to You. Help me to listen for Your gentle nudges more often and invite Your Spirit to have His way in me, bringing a calmness I often desperately need. Amen

Subway’s Humble Spokesman

 “The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, patience, kindness, and goodness.” ~ Galatians 5:22

Twenty-five years ago, Jared Fogle became Subway’s spokesperson after claiming he lost over 200 pounds by only eating sandwiches from the fast-food chain. His wholesome image was shattered in 2015 after he admitted to sexually abusing and exploiting children.

Despite consumers largely separating Fogle's offensive behavior from Subway’s sandwiches, the company struggled to improve its image. Enter a shy young man with Down syndrome who began his career at a Subway franchise in Nebraska.

In 1990, decades before Jared Fogel, Jerry nervously adjusted his Subway cap for his first day on the job. Menu prices were less than $5.00, and deli sandwiches were wrapped in plain butcher paper.

Initially, Jerry stuck to simple tasks: greeting customers, stocking disposables, and cleaning tables. Before long, regular customers started coming in not just for their favorite sandwiches, but for Jerry’s cheerful greetings, sincere compliments, and inspiring work ethic. Eventually, he learned the art of making sandwiches to order and loved every second of his job.

He started remembering people’s orders before they even asked. He remembered their names and birthdays, too. Sometimes he’d tell a joke. There was genuine kindness in his smile, a gentleness that delighted even the most impatient guests.

Jerry became the face and heart of that Subway. He had perfect attendance – even when it snowed, even when he sprained his ankle, even when his Mom died. “She’d want me to be here,” he whispered, straightening his cap through crestfallen tears.

He always offered kids a smile and a cookie “on the house.” His friendship bracelet was woven with threads of every coworker’s favorite color. He celebrated their milestones with them and provided comfort when they needed it. Jerry’s presence turned a fast-food joint into a family.

His story spread. Local newspapers interviewed him. Customers brought him birthday and Christmas cards. One even nominated him for the city’s Hero Award. But Jerry didn’t do it for adulation; rather, “I just like making people happy. That’s all.”

Over time, the logo evolved, walls were repainted, and food offerings became more expensive. Managers and staff changed. But Jerry stayed put.

So, after 33 years, making thousands of sandwiches, Jerry stood smiling broadly in his Subway polo, holding a Retirement Award plaque. Tears flooded his eyes, and joy poured from his soul.

The Subway was packed, not with food orders, but with friends, coworkers, and customers to wish him well. Even the mayor dropped by. One of Jerry’s earliest customers, a grown man with his own family, flew back to town just to shake his hand.

An irresistible smile covered his face. “Thank you for giving me a chance. I gave it my best!”

With that, Jerry retired. He left behind a legacy – living proof that kindness, consistency, and community matter more than titles, logos, and policies.

Lord Jesus, you lived a life characterized by unparalleled kindness and gentleness. Even when faced with hostility and antagonism, Your response was always one of steadfast love and acceptance. Teach me to walk in Your footsteps humbly. Amen