Taking Them In Your Arms

The gift of men in rescue centers

“Then he took the children in his arms and placed his hands on their heads and blessed them.” -Mark‬ ‭10‬:‭16‬ ‭

He was crying, that fussy inconsolable snotty mess of a moment that withers you down to a blank stare. Mom sat there attentive, but obviously exhausted by it all.

The room hand a handful of mothers all feeding their kids, the single ladies were gone somewhere off campus. It was a picture of a recovery reality that has planted a profound love, respect and admiration in my heart and mind. A mom struggling to console an unhappy crank in one arm and feeding herself with her multitasking other hand.

Raising a child and returning from Hell…one day at a time.

In those moments the compassion and comittment of Jesus compels you to come alongside in whatever small, but meaningful way you can: listen, look, lighten, alleviate, lift, pray, encourage, help, hold, calm, bless, serve…love.

I take every chance I can to bring something supportive to those opportunities. If the child and mom is comfortable, I assist.

Mostly by soothing the child with my voice. There’s a gift that is hidden in a man’s voice. The loving, calm, tender but masculine tone is unique and often absent in women’s shelters and in far too many children’s lives.

I can see the physical way my presence often, not always, but most of the time, helps. We were meant to do this together as men and women.

But the sad truth is too many men have abandoned their roles and responsibilities as men, brothers, uncles, cousins, husbands, fathers, grandfathers, great-grandfathers and even pastors.

So many mothers are alone. These type of centers are struggling to find workers, employees and volunteers to aid in this rescue and recovery mission.

There’s still a serpent seeking Eve, but where are the hands to hold and bless?

Where are you Adam?