Monday, August 29, 2011

A 2 Z: Orphan Opportunities


The other day I was talking about a project and a friend asked me, “Is that the book about the orphans?” The question gave me pause because I suddenly realized that phrase could describe every one of my current writing projects: Peculiar People’s orphan plane project, “I Will Dance”—my section of PeP’s Heirloom Chronicles book, and my solo novel, Reaching Sky.

I’d never realized I was so obsessed with orphans until that moment, and discovered upon reflection that a number of my other past or future writing projects also include parentless children. At first it seems an odd topic for me to be focused on, because I have such a strong and loving family myself. But perhaps that’s exactly why—my heart goes out to those who do not have that support I’m blessed to have.

Thinking back, I realize my heart has always been drawn toward orphaned children and I often dreamed that when I was an adult I would go to Mexico to work in an orphanage as well as possibly adopting children of my own. Though my health will likely prevent that particular mission field, I find that at times I now work with children who, though they technically have parents, are often separated from them by a language and cultural barrier caused by the child’s deafness and the parents’ unwillingness or lack of knowledge to bridge that gap.

As I’m now pitching my novel (and its continuing Elements of Light series focused on foster children) to an agent, I’m thinking about ways to promote those books and the orphan plane project. I’m praying about whether or not God is calling me to become more involved in advocacy for the foster care system in the U.S. and the world-wide orphanages and adoption systems, including their strengths and weaknesses. It would possibly mean volunteer and research time, which would require a gift of my energy—a limited and cherished commodity and therefore a serious decision.

I’d love prayer and advice. I want to wait to see if this is something God is calling me to do rather than just something that would make sense from a promotional viewpoint that has the added benefit of something that would aid society. It could even mean speaking engagements and perhaps a partnership with existing organizations that minister to foster children locally and orphan children globally.

I will only move forward if I’m confident this is indeed a calling from God, but sometimes it can be hard to know if I’m hearing Him or just my own brain talking. Thanks for your prayers and feedback!

11 comments:

Barbara Lynn Culler said...

It is interesting how you've unintentionally focused on orphans all these years! God is telling you something!

Shelley Ledfors said...

Very interesting about how orphans is a repeating theme in your writing, Amy. I'll be praying for direction for you.

Marji Laine - Faith Driven Fiction said...

I agree with Barbara and will also be praying for you. Know this: He will not give you any task to accomplish without also giving you the means with which to successfully complete it. That includes the pain-free energy you can't imagine having right now. He's never early, but never late. If He sends you forward, go without concern. As you commit to His will, He will set His desires into your heart.

Sparrow said...

Thanks, Barb and Shelley!

Marji, very true that God always gives the means to accomplish what He calls us to do. :-) However, He never promises it will be pain-free or easy. In fact, He says that those who follow Him WILL have suffering and difficulties on this world.

When I was following His path to become an interpreter, I had days I was nearly screaming in pain. Yet He gave me the strength to continue. You can hear a little more of my story and the miracles He's done here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ldVYYaBIau0

Thanks for the support!

Rhonda Schrock said...

It will be interesting to see what the next chapter is in your own personal story. God works in awesome ways...He could very well have been preparing you for that kind of work all these years!

Rita Garcia said...

Yes, God does give the means to accomplish why He calls us to do. I love the way He has worked in your life and yes it will be interesting to see where He leads you! Praying for you!

Joanne Sher said...

I hadn't noticed that before either - praying for wisdom and direction, sweetie. LOVE you!

Pencildancers said...

Praying for wisdom and direction for you.
Diana
www.pencildancer.com

Kim Russell said...

Very interesting that you never realized the "orphan connection." Seems like God is working & stirring something big in your heart. Can't wait to see what it is!

Niki Turner said...

Agreeing with the prayers for wisdom and direction, favor and divine connections to fulfill the plan God has orchestrated for you!

Patty Wysong said...

Joining in prayer over this, Amy. It's so interesting to watch God move!!
Hugs!