There are many different ways we can help children in foster care. I was reminded of that recently.
Years ago, I was invited to share our story with a group of kind souls who were interested in learning more about how to get involved in foster care. We sat together one evening in someone’s living room and I shared some of the joys and challenges our family had experienced while fostering. I was also able to share we were on a journey to adoption. Near the end, we spent time talking through questions. It was an enjoyable evening, but I had no idea what impact the night would have on the lives of others.
A few weekends ago I attended REFRESH, a local conference I look forward to each year. It’s a weekend of learning and encouragement for women who have a heart for foster care, adoption, and caring for vulnerable children. While I was there, a sweet lady came up to me and said, “You spoke at a foster share night I was at years ago.” I was stunned and asked her how she had remembered. She responded,
“I’m here today because you were there.”
She went on to say that as a result of that night, she and her husband had begun their foster care journey and had fostered six boys. She shared some of the wonderful things happening in their home, and added, “What you’re doing matters!”
I’m not a person good at holding back tears, but I really tried! It occurred to me I hadn’t given enough thought to what might happen when I walked out of that living room years ago. I didn’t consider the depth of the impact that it could have on children. Running into that lady and hearing her story changed my heart. It was yet another reminder that sometimes the little things, like simply sharing your story, can make a huge difference in this world.
Don’t make the mistake of minimizing the impact you can have in the lives of families! If you are fostering, continue to share your story with others. Use the hashtag #SHAREfostering when posting about your foster care experiences online so we can follow along in your journey. Consider hosting a SHARE fostering evening! If you are someone who is interested in hearing more from people like Kayce and being inspired by their fostering experiences, join our SHARE Fostering Facebook group!
