Some days are so hectic that my morning prayer doesn’t happen until late in the day.
In my readings one day last week, I read with new eyes the passage in Isaiah 42 that refers to “ opening the eyes of the blind, setting captives free, and allowing those who live in dungeons to see light.” As I read those words, I was reminded of a young man who came to the Ranch after having been locked up under his house when he was a small child.
He had gone to live with a relative after the severe abuse. She put in a valiant effort but was unable to reach him and it was she who made the referral to the Ranch. For him, one of his issues was that living in another nuclear “family” was just too intense for him. The abuse had been long-term, systematic and life altering. It had been happening for a long time before it was reported to the authorities-even though there had been medical evidence that should have suggested a problem – because he had not been willing to “tell” on his abuser.
This isn’t surprising. Abused children rarely report such abuse to other family members! There are many reasons for that…they are scared, confused, embarrassed, and often blame themselves. They don’t want the other family members to be mad at them and they fear retaliation from the abuser. Another reason not to tell your family is that, after all, the abuser is “family.” If the victimizer is a stranger the chances are much greater that the crime will be reported.
When Carl (not his real name) arrived at the Ranch, he was angry, resistant and difficult to deal with. His pattern of handling his emotions fit the pattern of others suffering from P.T.S.D. (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) and working with him could be very frustrating. He was afraid of the dark, of emotional closeness, and would strike out at anyone who seemed to be getting too close. If he would resort to self-destructive behavior if they succeeded. It seemed his modus operandus was to get himself before someone else could do it. Now, years later, he remains emotionally scarred.
Every time I pray I include the children of the Ranch in my prayers with a special thought to those who I know are having an especially tough time. Unfortunately, sometimes that is a very long list!
I mention Carl because he is a powerful example of the work of the Ranch. We are referred lots of kids and we generally take those with greatest need and fewest resources. Our work is hard, often painful, draining, and tremendously rewarding. Carl is an example of literally setting captives free and bringing those who were in darkness to light. However, once kids arrive at the Ranch the figurative version of the scripture takes place. They are often haunted by demons from their past. Child repair is a very slow process. I love to visit with the children who have been here awhile and hear of their successes. It only takes one positive story to keep me going.
I admit after years of doing this, being a foster parent and parent – that I sometimes have to “psyche” myself up to get the work done. I know of the tremendous good we accomplish, and I still suffer when a kid doesn’t make it. This past holiday season was especially hard…but God works in marvelous ways and my eyes were opened. I was reminded of the tremendous support system that exists for the children and the staff of the Ranches, as hundreds of cards and letters flowed in like a giant wave of support. One night after a really tough day I got in the car to go home and heard the words of a song by Josh Groban, “When I am down and oh, my soul is so weary…when troubles come and my heart burdened be…you raise me up to more than I can be.” With those words my load was lightened knowing that you share responsibility for accomplishing our mission.
Getting children free from the demons that haunt them will never be easy! This work requires a team effort. I am often at a loss for words to thank you for being part of such a great organization. You are, along with the children, always in my prayers!!
— Mike