Heavy on my heart is the bottom line; how do we show love to a population that for the most part, has known so much rejection?
Do we even have a right to love the youth, our guests? We aren’t trying to replace their family – but if we all have a need to love and be loved – then don’t we have a mandate to love? If so, what does this love look like? Then do we say we love youth and not love ourselves, or each other? Do we need a reason to love, is it really based on performance? No, we just love. At the shelter, we don’t pick and choose who to love, we just love. But how do we model healthy love?
A few months ago I heard a teaching by Charles Swindoll and it has shaped what I want our love message to be to each other and to the youth. It is called the ABC’s of love.
If we love, then
We Accept you as you are,
We Believe you are valuable,
We Care when you hurt,
We Desire what is best for you,
We Erase all past offenses,
We’ve been thinking alot about love messages. What do these love messages look like? They may be expressed through a gift of a quilt or knitted hat, art on the walls, sitting and listening, or playing cards. Maybe love appears as a pot of soup or even a written message on the wall. Because of you, the kids are receiving messages like this. If you would like to send a written note, we invite you to share it with us. Your words are powerful….
May the Holidays find you surrounded with love,
do justly, love mercy, walk humbly,
– Marylee
We at FYA are also marking a year since we opened our doors. This wouldn’t be possible without people like you!
We officially opened our doors last December 1st, welcoming in our first youth – and we have never had an empty night.
In the last year we have seen:
To make this possible were:
Donations have helped us meet our needs:
Thank YOU ALL for making this happen.
We are honored, blessed, and filled with gratitude.
– The FYA Gang