“Who through faith conquered kingdoms, administered justice, and gained what was promised; who shut the mouths of lions, quenched the fury of the flames, and escaped the edge of the sword; whose weakness was turned to strength; and who became powerful in battle and routed foreign armies” (Hebrews 11:33-34).
WOW! These men and women got it. They understood the existence of faith had to be demonstrated by action despite what the world thought. Noah builds an ark when others would dismiss it as paranoia. Moses stands before a sea and knows God will part it when others would have panicked and surrendered to Pharaoh. Abraham endures a heart wrenching trial when others would have faltered and decided that God was asking too much. Their faith was empowered by a belief in the promises of God.
Have you ever sat down to think: “If you could add onto Hebrews 11, -in a modern day context, who would you write down?” Would it be a parent? A friend? A teacher? A stranger who you only really know by their stories on Facebook?
Well, one of mine is Jenny Clark.
I met Jenny 6 years ago. It was our first time going to Africa. We were on an all female team full of estrogen and fun. I quickly learned that Jenny had left her two little ones at home with her parents while she chased after this journey the Lord called her to. We made a lot of memories on that trip to Africa, but before we knew it, it was time to say goodbye and part ways. I went back to Texas, and she returned to Alabama. Thankfully social media was a thing, and we were able to keep up with each other through Facebook. I watched her kids grow up, we would talk about planning trips to see each other (sorry I never flew out to see y’all), and I watched as she stepped into one of the biggest callings of her life.
Jenny is a single momma… and I point this out because I feel like most women wait to do something BIG for God until they have a man by their side (not all, but most… like they aren’t complete until they have their other half to help them in ministry). And this woman right here, does not! She continues to humble herself to care for the least of these (Matt. 25:40). The journey started about four years ago…
Not only is Jenny a foster momma, but she is a foster momma to babies who are medically fragile. These are little baby boys and girls who have NO ONE waiting in line for them. Babies who if someone does not step up, they will die without knowing the love of a family. This is what Jenny has signed up for. She has taken loving care of many foster kids throughout the four years… but three little boys, have stolen the hearts of many.
I’m not going to tell you about all three boys, but I am going to briefly share about one. This is what her father said:
“About a year ago Jenny agreed to take responsibility for the care of a two-year-old baby with Down’s Syndrome and with very fragile health. Elynn’s heart and lung condition was severe, his needs were many and his life expectancy short. He didn’t have much hope for belonging to family or even having a good place to live. Jenny brought him home and gave him a family, a good place to live, good medical care and all the love and affirmation with which any son could be blessed.” Elynn battled his health conditions until he couldn’t fight any longer. On Thursday, June 29, Elynn took his last breath here on earth and took his first breath in heaven. His body is restored and he is dancing hand-in-hand with Jesus.
I’m not telling you this story to make you sad. I am telling you this story for two reasons…
- Pray. Pray for Jenny and her family as they walk through this grief. Losing a family member is NEVER easy, let alone a 2 year old little boy. Today, July 10, they are laying E’s body to rest here on this earth and celebrating the life that he lived and that he is living for eternity.
- I hope we all have someone we could write into the pages of Hebrews 11. But more importantly, are you living a life where people would say that about you? I am not saying your calling is to foster as many children as your wallet deems fit. (Although, I do believe the Church has a special role to play when it comes to orphans… but that is for another post). I encourage you friends, find your calling. Find that thing that requires faith that the world doesn’t understand. Do something that seems absolutely ridiculous. Jesus said, “Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples” (John 13:35). Are you loving in a way that people question why you are different?
Jenny’s journey is not over! She continues to lean into the hard things and love the kids whom the world deems as unlovable. Follow her story, http://www.jennymo.com/, I promise you, you’ll be encouraged.
Elynn, keep smiling sweet boy! Keep dancing with Jesus.
