As we journey through each day of the Advent season, we’ve gathered special stories from Lifeline families, staff, and friends to share with you, testifying to how the hand of the Lord and the Character of Christ have been magnified through their children and in their families…

You can see the heart of the Father actively being expressed through the love of one family for another. A family they haven’t known but for a few weeks. A family they have gained a heart of compassion for, just like God the Father’s heart. A husband and father have faced what no one wants to face… the death of a spouse because of a car accident. His wife is killed, his one year old son is injured, and he is left to pick up the pieces. His son is healing (miraculously), his 3 year old daughter is missing her mommy, he is trying to care for all of them, and much of his extended family is out of state and unavailable.

A woman in a local church reaches out to Safe Families to see how we can help. The pastor of First Southern Baptist Church and my husband, Gary, and I meet with the newly widowed dad. We build a bridge, develop trust, and express the Father’s heart to him. We tell him about a Host Family in our church who lives near him and who would be open to caring for his children as he goes through the coming months and moves back into his job. Building a network of support around him and extending the love of God to him.

The Host Family and the dad meet in their home. The kids play together. The parents share stories, make connections, and begin to build a relationship that will allow for help and hope. He leaves with a sense of renewed courage to know that he has a resource and connection to a family who will be there when he needs extra help for his kids. He expresses appreciation at the way God seems to meet his needs along the journey he now walks.

As we prepare for Christmas, we recognize that the baby Jesus came to give hope to the hopeless and hurting.  We have had the privilege to see hope lived out through the life of one family who said, “we care and we will open our home”.

Jesus, give us opportunities to anticipate your coming through showing hope to those around us.

Sue Smith, Safe Families Specialist