I feel I need a disclaimer on this post (never good huh)....I am not a huge animal person. There I said it. We have a dog that I enjoy, but she isn't my pride and joy. Quite honestly, most of the times we are about to walk out the door for a weekend away and one of us says...."oh crud, what about Bella?" Now, don't get me wrong, I will be sad when Bella "passes" (J.O. won't let me say dies), but I will be the ones consoling J. O. and the kids. Truth here people.
I will also say, I do realize I am in the minority. Animals have taken on people status and often dress and eat better than I do.
And that's what has me thinking about this. There is nothing that people love more than a good animal story. You know what I mean...if you are "friends" with the news stations on Facebook you have undoubtedly seen the animal stories that are shared and liked thousands of times. Just a few weeks ago, Good Morning America put a story up about an orphaned animal that was taken in by someone and raised. I didn't read the story, but from the amount of likes and shares it received, it was no doubt a fan favorite.
And why not? That story made us feel good. An animal was abandoned and someone saw the need and responded. Fairy tale. Pay attention to your major news stories on Facebook. I am not talking about local news sources, but national. They are either about Ebola or animals.
Truthfully, these stories make me kinda sad. We are a society that loves our animal stories, but won't share pictures of kids looking for families or the harsh reality of foster care. We are a society that wants to hear all the feel good messages the world has to offer, but we won't share what is going on right under our noses.
This morning, there was a story I shared on FB and it was not a feel good story at all. In fact, it was pretty morbid and I debated sharing it because it was a hard truth. It was about a boy who had languished in the system since early childhood and was murdered over a petty argument at age 18. Never adopted, never in a stable foster home, picture undoubtedly never shared tons of times.
I might be in the minority by saying this, but I actually think God is working big in the hearts of people in Pulaski County and surrounding areas. I am surrounded by a community of friends who foster and look like I do. What does that mean? That means, they are young busy moms just like me and you. Then, I also have extended family who help and love Anna and Abby like their own and have from day one. They attend fundraisers and help raise awareness. Then, I also have a church family who will get involved and are hungry to learn more.
God is moving in Pulaski County on behalf of these kids. I love the song that says, "Break my heart for what breaks yours." What breaks God's heart are children living outside of a family, the poor, the homeless, the widows, and so much more.
While, I agree that animals are fun and cute, let's pray that our society would be so burdened when they see a foster care story. Or an orphans face. Or when they read about a teenager never giving up hope they will be adopted one day. Lets pray that their story is shared nationally and will receive just as much attention as the dog who dressed up for Halloween.
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