Heart Gallery

I am not a crier. Probably thanks to my four brothers, I rarely cry in books or movies and, while I feel deeply about experiences, I am rarely moved to tears. For several years now, Phil and I have been praying that God would break our hearts over a specific group of people--whether it's a nation or just a group of people with the same need. This year, God has made our passion clear: orphans.

I had read about the Heart Gallery a few years ago in an article, but finally had the chance to see it this past week when it was on display at our church. The Heart Gallery is a series of professional photographs of kids who are currently in the foster care system in any given state. They range in age from 2nd grade to 11th grade, and are often overlooked because they are older, sometimes have emotional or physical problems, and often have siblings with whom they want to be adopted. These are the orphans who fall through the cracks in society and are left at age 18 without any support or family...unless they are adopted or are taken in by a loving foster home. As we looked at the pictures of those precious faces--children who had dreams of becoming chefs or actors or football stars--we both had to fight back tears. And it dawned on us again: this is where our heart breaks--the orphan.

And the truth is, that is where the heart of Jesus breaks as well. His desire is that we belong to His family, receiving full rights as His children, through His grace alone. The idea of adoption is not only appealing to us because it's a chance to intervene in an otherwise hopeless situation, but it's also a constant reminder of our own hopelessness outside of Christ.

So, while Phil and I still don't know if we want to adopt an infant or an older child, or even when that will happen, we are thrilled to be a part of something outside ourselves and so privileged to bear the holy burden of caring for the orphan. If you get a chance, check out the Heart Gallery at Oak Mtn. Presbyterian Church or just look on the Heart Gallery website. Just make sure you have some Kleenex nearby.