Hurting people, by nature, have a tendency to develop a self focus. It's not related to their lack of care of others as much as it is, a hyper awareness of their own pain. In that place of pain, it's difficult to develop empathy which is a critical component to connecting and growing. It's natural when we come across those struggling with deep wounds, to be uncertain about what to do.
Our medical field offers pharmacological remedies and therapies, our schools work to educate the best they are able, the church offers prayer and counsel, and there are hobbies and special interest groups that can offer belonging. Medications and therapy can prove helpful, but they stop short of bridging into the community. Schools too might aid in implementing an IEP, but the role of the school is primarily academic, as it should be. Community classes and sports are wonderful outlets but mostly require self control to participate. Church programs for the most part are ministering to groups and finding individual support can be difficult. Or, they just don't quite know HOW to enter into a deeper place. All of these facets of help hold incredible value, but if we don't connect them and expand them we see a gap in the spokes of our wagon wheel reaching the rim. If we decide to have a positive outlook we can see an opportunity for a bridge to be built and we can be a part of building the bridge!
The stories of heartbreak are awful to hear and they come across the headlines plentifully. For every story, multiple people are affected and the trickle down effect into the generations is real unless intervention is made. For any one person, it's overwhelming but if we do our small intentional part as the body of Christ, to invest in lives together, we see powerful things happen. It's the cumulative factor of uniting in heart and vision, depositing their small portion that will bring great impact - one life at a time. Placing enjoyment in the process, at the Grace Haven Care Farm we guide those we serve to do the same, becoming patient and expectant, to see the unfolding work of God in their life moving from an inward focus to an upward gaze.