Monday 5 January 2009

Children are worthless!

The doorbell rang and mama went to the door. We had noticed seconds earlier the car pull in the driveway and mama had already started for the door.

As mama opened the door the child looked up at mama's smiling face and had very little emotion in her own - maybe some fear in her eyes as this was a new stranger in her life. The 'mother' of the child laughed and stated; " We call her 'Klutz', she is always stumbling and tripping, (laughs even more), at the table we call her the 'Human Garbage Disposal', she eats too much!" The lady stated; "Thank you for baby sitting for me, I Should be back by about 5pm to pick her up." Mama immediately reached down and hugged the child and said; "We are going to have a good time aren't we?!"

As the lady left, mama began to fume - (fume may be a mild term for how mama was feeling). To describe a child as this lady had was almost more than mama could take. This child's worth had been brought into question and mama was angry. Every child is God created - in His image. How can we treat a child so cruelly, and think that this is humorous?

The above story and words are true - this really happened in our home. You don't want to hear the rest of the story - but here it is.

Mama called Social Services at the next possible moment and explained to a case worker what had just happened. You see, this was a foster child, the lady mentioned above was a foster mother to the child. The irony of the story ? The lady had dropped the child off as she was on her way to attend a training session for child care for foster parents. We never saw the 'mother' or child again after that day - hopefully, she realized the error of downgrading children.

You need to know mama. She is the best - she loves her children and grandchildren. If given the chance, she would love your children as well.

Our society is quite screwed up right now - we need to do our best to let our children know they are loved and have great worth. I have to go now and send an email to my son and daughter and tell them daddy loves them - both are close to 40 now - oh my! But I think they still like to hear; "We love you!"

27 comments:

CrossView said...

Children DO need to know that they have great worth. And we have far too many unloved in our government systems....

Indian Lake Papa said...

Crossview - I love to see your posts that show a "mom at work". Love them MS !! You have a precious family - I am glad to have met some of them. Your a great friend who has a mom's heart.

Anonymous said...

This is so true. I have some limited experience with foster parents/children and it's so sad to see so many "abandoned" children in the system. By that I don't mean literally abandoned, I just mean nobody is loving them.

Nobody is shaping their worth in a positive way.

Sad.

Lydia and I want kids of our own one day, but we also want to adopt. Not sure the timeframe, but it's in our hearts.

Good post today!

Indian Lake Papa said...

Russ - Do not rush into adoption - wait until God places it on your heart - His timing is perfect! Make sure you both pray about it and talk about it - from your hearts.

Annie said...

Wow. That breaks my heart. I DO NOT understand how people could possibly do that. Thanks to you and Mama for standing up and being a light in a dark world.

Indian Lake Papa said...

Annie - the incident happened many years ago - but the children today are really needing our care and prayers.

Carol said...

Good for Mama...you have a great woman there, Papa!

Indian Lake Papa said...

Carol - she is the best and loves kids - after all, papa is just a big kid!

Anonymous said...

Papa thank you so much for this. Similar words were said of me, but always in jest. "We're just teasing. Can't you take a joke?"

Some people don't really understand what their words do to others.

Anonymous said...

Papa, "we love you" may be the only words a child has to hear.

If we want to judge a nation just look at how they take care of their children. The fact the the US even has a foster care system indicates we need to do much more.

Billions for economic bailouts, yet our foster care system remains grossly underfunded. We need to get out priorites straight.

Some kids are lucky. The find a "Mama" to help them.

Strider said...

Thanks for stopping by and leaving a comment....now you can sit back and relax!!

Indian Lake Papa said...

Michelle - papa is a big tease - but I Am very careful what I say that could hurt - especially around children. Even in jest many remarks hurt.

Ed - mama is the best! She loves kids more than anyone I have ever known - I really mean that.

STrider - thanks for stopping by also! Have a great day!

Peter Olson said...

I love kids. Everyone that knows me will say that I still an just a kid myself. I know a couple who are foster parents, they do have a good heart for the job. I know because they have had joys and had their hearts broken too.

Hey! What drives you?

Indian Lake Papa said...

Peter - wow, what a question - "What drives you?" I am not sure - I know I have a love and passion for my Lord - was brought up in a Christian home.

Foster care - mama and I have had a total of 32 foster kids. It has been a few years though! :o) It is a great program.

Technonana said...

Words are indeed powerful tools!! They can build up or destroy our self-image. Too many children are the result of negative words.
Just imagine if the Lord were as negative as some 'parents'.
Had to check in on you Papa!!
I'd love to come to Florida, in fact I will be there at the end of Jan., but you're on your own with #26, that's not something I do in public places!! LOL!

Indian Lake Papa said...

Sharon - HA! I'm bashful anyways - yeah, right!

I have gotten on parents in the past - and would do it again - not that I am perfect, but a wrong needs to be corrected immediately some times.

Technonana said...

Hi Papa!!
I wish Dan and I would be able to travel around at will, but we will be in Hollywood,Fla. with Dan's company entertaining their customers... but I would still love to meet you one day!!
Florida is my Dad's home, and I have many relatives there. Oh, and Ocala is beautiful!!

Indian Lake Papa said...

Sharon - maybe someday Mama and I can meet you! :o)

Technonana said...

Indeed, we shall, My Friend!! Indeed we shall!! If not on this side... then in that great gittin' up Morning!!

Indian Lake Papa said...

Sharon - see you in the morning some day!

Anonymous said...

I totally believe what you're saying in this story. I believe it, because I myself grew up with a mother who emotionaly and verbally abused, and still does, me and my 5 brothers and sisters.

It breaks my heart to see what it does to my siblings who are still at home. I wish I could scoop them all up and move them in with me and shield them from the damage that I've endured and the scars it leaves on hearts.

Indian Lake Papa said...

Rachel - thanks for sharing - there are many 'children' your age or even my age that are still recovering from remarks, words, that will haunt us for a lifetime. Remember, you have a Savior who loves you with a passion.

Unknown said...

if only you and mama could be every childs parent.

and i say that with all sincerity papa.

Robin said...

I love Children and am glad that you and mama do to and that you advocate for them.

When I was a child and teen I doubted my worth and whether I was loveable, but God sent many loving people my way to help me realize HIS truth.

I'm glad you and Mama are there for the children that come your way!

I love the children God has blessed me with more than I can say! Pray that I'm the mother God wants me to be and that my children become what God wants them to be...

Indian Lake Papa said...

Tam - you and Brent are great parents, I sincerely mean that. Part of that is being a good listener, especially when your not being spoken to - in other words, whats going on when your not paying attention??

Robin - watch what you say - words can not be taken back and "I'm sorry!" can not erase damage done. I am confident you are a great mom.

Anonymous said...

Wow Papa, this post brought tears to my eyes. How I want to scoop up that little girl then and hold her and take her home. :(

I hope the rest of her life was much better than it was in that moment. :(

Love you guys!

Indian Lake Papa said...

Little One - you have three precious little boys - always treat each one special (even the big one) and most important never say things that hurt - even as a joke - they will store that forever. You are a precious mom and wife - as a wife I said precious, obedient may be another issue. lol