Abandoned

Very recently, I experienced abandonment.

I can honestly say it is hands down the worst emotion I have been forced to overcome in my life so far. When you love a person unconditionally, but it is not enough. When your care and love is not returned in equal measure you feel inadequate, unworthy, lonely…unlovable.

It got me thinking about all the orphans in Russia. Working for Love Russia, abandonment is a word I have used frequently to describe their situations – I realised I’d before never understood the real depth of its meaning until now. These children must experience an intense emotional loss… emotions they are not equipped or developed enough to understand, let alone deal with and work through. They were born, and after a period of however many years, for many they will remember, their mums and dads, for whatever reason, abandoned them. Such young, fragile hearts - I cannot imagine the pain.

We heard of a young girl who was literally abandoned by the side of a road by her mother who assured her she would come back but never did. It’s a story we hear all the time.

For me, I ran into the arms of God because I am fortunate to have been raised in a family who taught me how much he loves me. That’s not to say there is no more hurt, self-doubt and insecurity; rather that there is nothing (he reassures me) I cannot handle because he is there for me.

Understandably then, this message is the very best gift we can give the orphans we work with – while of course making sure immediate physical needs are met too. The Mentors we work with in Russia are so full of God’s love and want more than anything to share it with the vulnerable young orphans and destitute mums they meet with daily, so they too can know security of family and the care of an almighty father.

My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand.

John 10 v 27-28 promises us that once we become part of his family it’s a done deal. No ‘wrong’ partner (in my case) and no parent who makes us feel undeserving has the power to snatch us from his hand.

What an amazing thing to be able to share this with children who need to hear!

Please keep supporting our hard working Mentors sharing this awesome message.