Excuses

Hello, friends! I have a few thoughts for you on my foster parenting situation.

• I can't be a foster parent because I'm young.
• I can't be a foster parent because I'm single.
• I can't be a foster parent because I don't make enough money.
• I can't be a foster parent because I've never done this before.
• I can't be a foster parent because I won't be able to handle it.

You could also change up the wording on that list a bit.

• I shouldn't be a foster parent because I'm young.
• I shouldn't be a foster parent because I'm single.
• I shouldn't be a foster parent because I don't make enough money.
• I shouldn't be a foster parent because I've never done this before.
• I shouldn't be a foster parent because I won't be able to handle it.

Here's how I prefer to word it, though.

• I can, and I should, be a foster parent because I'm young. People under 25 don't become foster parents very often, but that doesn't mean it's bad or wrong. It's not about your age. It's about your dedication.
• I can, and I should, be a foster parent because I'm single. If I had the option, I would much prefer to be married and foster children with my spouse. However, that doesn't mean I can't help kids in this way now.
• I can, and I should, be a foster parent because I don't make enough money. God has given me what I have, and He intends for me to use it to His glory. Helping kids certainly qualifies for that more than many other options.
• I can, and I should, be a foster parent because I've never done this before. No one who becomes a parent for the first time has ever done it before, but they do it anyway. This is no different.
• I can, and I should, be a foster parent because I won't be able to handle it. I'm new at this. I'm going to make mistakes. Maybe it won't work out, but why should that stop me from trying?

I could use these excuses for almost anything. I shouldn't be a DCE because I won't be able to handle it. I can't donate to worthy causes because I don't make enough money. I could go on.

These are not excuses that are specific to me. All of us can apply these or similar excuses to every opportunity we have to do good in this world. It's time to stop making excuses and start making a difference. That difference might not look big. It might be as simple as donating diapers to a pregnancy center or driving an elderly person to the grocery store. But let me tell you - small differences have a domino effect. Already, before a foster child has even come into my home, my church is buzzing about foster care. They all want to know how they can help. It's my hope that, by taking in a foster child myself, I will inspire others to do the same. That's what it's all about - making a small difference that creates a big difference. So let's stop making those excuses and get out there.