Fighting for Unbathed Babies Part II

(Be sure to read Part I first. 😃)

“How much they cost?” She said with mild excitement.

“Don’t worry about that. Our office could help with that if you are interested.”

“Yea,” I heard over the phone. I sensed my time to exit the conversation was near. Our chat had been weighty. I needed to give her space to ponder.

“Thanks for your time, Leslie, and please call me anytime if there is any other way I can be helpful.”

“Yea,” she said one last time.

In the four years that followed, I watched Leslie grow into a very caring and responsible mom. After that day, Jeremy never came to KDI in such a dirty state again. In fact, one day I had a sub, and when I returned, Leslie took me aside to tell me that my sub did not change Jeremy’s diaper in a timely fashion. It was refreshing to see the concern on her face. I tried not to smile as she was complaining to me, but I was truly proud of the parent she had become. I was thankful that the Holy Spirit led me to a  better understanding of Jeremy’s story, led me into fighting for him, and helped me to clearly state how Christ and His church desired to support him.

While there is no objective formula to best serve the Bluebonnet Child, there are certain steps we can take as we intuit our way through it! I call it the Triple A approach. No-this is not an auto club to call when your car breaks down. It’s way better (and less expensive). The Triple A approach will equip you as a vessel that showers the Bluebonnet Children with God’s grace. This approach calls us to: be aware, to advocate, and to articulate in their lives. With the Holy Spirit’s help, we can be more aware of their stories, advocate for their needs, and theologically articulate how the healing power of Christ is at work in their lives. The next three chapters will cover the individual components of this approach in more depth.

Questions to Ponder 

1. What is an alternative way to handle the “Baby in the kitchen sink” situation? Can you compose a conversation between you and Leslie? 
2. What would have happened if the caretakers had not taken the time to bathe Jeremy, feed him better, and simply voice their concern? 
3. Who on your children’s ministry team could you see going above and beyond in the same exact way with a child?