First published at Kentucky Today
As you walk into the Sunrise Spring Meadow’s boys’ facility in Mt. Washington, you will see a homemade sign taped to the front door. The sign reads “Behold I Make All Things New.”
Obviously, Sunrise Children’s Services is currently facing unprecedented challenges, but Sunrise believes in the promise that our hope is found in a faithful God. This is something often heard and said by Christians. But most often overlooked is the fearlessness that is necessary to defend this hope. Unfortunately, fear frequently has the greatest influence on decision making. At Sunrise, we want to be fearless for God’s Word and stand firm in this truth. We are prepared to lead by example. Fear will not cripple us.
Kyle, a 17-year-old boy who has been in Sunrise’s care for two years, is currently in the adoption process. He recently shared the challenges that led him to Sunrise. Kyle’s parents’ rights were terminated because his step-dad abused Kyle and his sister. The physical, emotional and sexual abuse began when Kyle was just 11 years old. His sister fearlessly informed a teacher who quickly reported the abuse. The mom refused to leave her husband. The kids were removed immediately.
Kyle is now being welcomed into a family who exhibits the love of Christ and has taken this message to fearlessly love seriously. A Southern Baptist Theological Seminary student visited Sunrise and decided to mentor Kyle, a mentorship that lasted close to two years. This student and his wife fell in love with Kyle. And although this couple already had two younger children and were moving to Georgia, they made the decision to adopt Kyle at age 17.
When others only see the history of a child’s abuse and trauma, Sunrise sees who that child is. When 16 other agencies turn that child away, Sunrise says, “We have an open bed.” We need to be fearless for the hopeless.
When Kyle came to Sunrise, he had extreme anger. A Sunrise staff member told Kyle that when he feels hopeless, he should hold his hands in the air as high and as long as he can. Kyle commented, “This small act changes my focus and reminds me that when I feel that the world is falling down all around me, it will be okay because I know who holds up the sky.”
Sunrise understands that God does not always eliminate challenges or fears. But when God allows someone to be challenged, persecuted or abused, He will always give that person the capacity to find Him intimately. In the unprecedented darkness are unprecedented gifts for those who know the fearless love of Christ.
God’s truth is a gift we should fearlessly protect. God’s children are a gift we should fearlessly protect. The obedience of others to love fearlessly should inspire us. Most of all, in the promise of hope — not fear — we should fall on our knees and raise our hands in loving boldness to a God who holds up the sky.
