The "Alexes" of the World

This is flat-out an "I'm called to Kids Ministry and sometimes just have to talk about it" blog post so... fair warning.  The biggest update I can give from the Embrees is that we are still alive and kickin' despite a week of freezing temperatures, unprecedented Kentucky snow, and the joy/pain/pleasure/frustration of being stuck in a tiny house with one another for that amount of time.  Today's 48 degree weather sent our entire family and half the neighborhood outside for a good dose of Vitamin D and some serious leg-stretching.

BUT... that's not what this post is about.

This is about one of the most beautiful things I've ever seen in my life exemplifying the love of Christ "to the least of these" and I saw it played out in the simple actions of my unsuspecting husband.  We had the opportunity to visit a church this morning where our friends Ian and Hillary Cole serve on staff.  They had come to our house for dinner about two weeks ago and told us about the unique ministry their church had found itself in; bussing in and ministering to local children whose parents choose not to attend church.  The first four pews of the left side of church were full of parent-less kids coming for the love and ministry offered by the small church on Sunday morning.

We were blessed to attend church there this morning.  The message was great, the worship sincere, and the congregation welcoming.  But what really stood out to me this morning was Alex*.  Alex was a little red-headed young man with round glasses and an inquisitive spirit who decided that Luke was... well, his new best friend.  As we walked in this morning, this young man saw Luke and was desperate to get to him.  As soon as worship started and the hands that had been holding him let go, he bolted from his seat, down the aisle and snuggled in by Luke as if that was right where he belonged.  As worship started and Luke stood, he wiggled his way into Luke's arms and spent the entire worship service right there.  He played with Luke's watch, explored Luke's increasingly hairy beard, looked deep into Luke's eyes, and just stayed there... where he belonged.

I have never seen such a blatant, unmistakable need for love displayed so innocently and so genuinely in my life.  He didn't ask for it nicely.  He just assumed it would be freely given.  No platitudes, no begging.  Just confidence that Luke would offer the unconditional love this little boy was so hungry for.  In fact, it was so easily assumed and so freely given that the couple behind us thought that Alex was Luke's son (understandable with the red hair and all).  To Luke's credit, there wasn't even a hint of uncomfortable frustration or hesitancy in welcoming Alex into his presence.

Oh you have to see it by now!!  Is there any doubt that this exact type of scenario was what Jesus had in mind when he said that the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these (a child)?  What if we approached the "throne of grace with confidence" as Alex did today with Luke?  What if we didn't allow anything to get between us and Jesus but we "fixed our eyes on Jesus" and "threw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles" so that nothing could hold us back?  What if we believed that Jesus wants us to "come to him" when we "are weary and heavy laden" so He can "give us rest"?  And that just like Luke welcomed Alex with no questions asked, no conditions met, just because he loved Alex; just like that and infinitely more God loves us and welcomes us and desires us to be with him.

And.... most excitedly I say AND... when we do know that, live that and experience that, how much more ready will we be to love all the Alexes of this hurting world?  It's not that God wants us to come just for us and to believe in Him just for us.  God knows that if we truly understand His love for us and His presence with us, then we will be able to more fully love and more accurately see those around us that need that love.  

I was so blessed by the way the church we visited this morning is "being the church" to the kids in their neighborhood.   They are showing Christ's love and that's why when Alex saw Luke in that setting, he had no doubt that he'd be accepted.  There are many, many kids out there who are literally dying for that kind of love.  I bet you know a few.  I bet a few are in your neighborhood.  Maybe you've been thinking about reaching out but you just don't know how.  Not sure what to do or what to say.  My first thought - go confidently to your Father and let Him show you His love.  And then, go show that same love to the ones who came to your mind.  Volunteer at your church.  Listen to Bible verses at Bible Release Time. Let kids play in your yard.  Learn their names.  

There's no doubt in my mind that Alex has probably forgotten Luke by now.  What's that you say?  Doesn't that kinda go against your whole blog?  Nope.  Because I know beyond a doubt Alex has not forgotten the love he was shown.  And that love which came from Christ himself "bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things."  That love "never fails."  So, go for it!  What do you have to lose?  Some fear, some anxiety, some sadness.  What do you have to gain?  Well, I could tell you but.. why don't you go find out?  The Alexes of the world await!

*been in KidMin too long to use the little guy's real name :)