Every time the song, “Kings and Queens” by Audio Adrenaline, comes on the radio, I belt out singing because it reminds me of “my kids.” One of the boys asked me yesterday, “Am I one of your kids?” I am not his houseparent, but I told him that I liked to think he was because we spend a lot of time together. There is a line in this song, “Every child has a dream to belong and be loved”, which is what I was really being asked. Do you love me enough to call me one of your kids?
Some children in foster care develop labels such as “Attachment Disorder” which usually means they have difficulty attaching or forming lasting bonds with others. This label is difficult for caregivers because it usually comes with behavior problems. Harris, a seven year old, came to Miracle Hill Children’s Home. Harris told me once that he had to steal snacks from people because he did not have enough food to eat. He was often scared and did not want to play with other children. He often hit other children or stole their toys. He rarely smiled. He did not easily accept caring gestures nor show affection to others. Harris struggled with sleeping at night. He would move to and fro trying to comfort himself to sleep. He woke up throughout the night so he was usually tired in the morning.
At bedtime, I asked Harris if I could pray with him. He agreed. A huge smile came on his face; he sat up and jumped into my arms. I hugged him and he hugged my neck so hard. I told him I loved him, to which he replied, “okay”. As I began to pray, Harris laid his head on my shoulders and I rocked him like a baby. Within a few minutes, he was sound asleep. Harris only woke up once during that night. Harris was learning to trust, and accept love as well as giving it. Harris loved to eat. Content there was plenty of food for everyone, and he no longer had to steal what he needed. He began to bond with others on staff and smiled a lot more. He was quick to say, “I love you too.” Harris slowly learned to make friends. He still struggled with sleep, but rest throughout the night improved. Below are the lyrics to the song, “Kings and Queens”. As you read it, or the next time you hear it on the radio, think of Harris and others like him. Pray for them. Pray they come to know the Lord of love. The Lord does amazing work in our lives. Harris had just a beginning, and we trust the Lord will use the seeds that have been sown.
***Due to laws concerning confidentiality, the names and some details about children are changed for their safety and privacy.
Song lyrics to “Kings and Queens” by Audio Adrenaline
Little hands, shoeless feet, lonely eyes looking back at me
Will we leave behind the innocent to grieve
On their own, on the run when their lives have only begun
These could be our daughters and our sons
And just like a drum I can hear their hearts beating
I know my God won’t let them be defeated
Every child has a dream to belong and be loved
Chorus:
Boys become kings, girls will be queens
Wrapped in Your majesty
When we love, when we love the least of these
Then they will be brave and free
Shout your name in victory
When we love when we love the least of these
When we love the least of these
Break our hearts once again
Help us to remember when
We were only children hoping for a friend
Won’t you look around these are the lives that the world has forgotten
Waiting for doors of our hearts and our homes to open
Chorus:
If not us who will be like Jesus
To the least of these
If not us tell me who will be like Jesus
Like Jesus to the least of these
Boys become kings, girls will be queens
Wrapped in your majesty
When we love, when we love the least of these
Then they will be brave and free shout your name in victory
We will love we will love the least of these
We will love the least of these (repeat 4 times)
