Where Would We Be?

The big yellow bus pulled up filled to overflowing.  And that is when it happened.  A young boy, Nathan's age, tapped my arm.  "Can we go and play?" he asked.

As I fought through tears I explained not right now.  He seemed to be okay.  And then he was back, "Can we go play?" I told him we could go inside to hear the stories and watch a play.  I would go with him and sit beside him if he would like.  He declined, went through the door and found his seat.

A young boy, with a water bottle filled with cereal hops off the bus "drinking" the dried cereal from his bottle.

A 13 year old girl with a smile and a heart that would light up any room.  So so sweet, such a joker.  When I introduced myself I was told, "Yea I know who you are." (My name was in the shirt I was wearing.)

A young mother, pregnant with her 5th child.  May 21st her brother passed away from diabetes.  3 weeks later her mother died from slcerosis.

"If you are going to truly make an impact, start as young as you can." Wise advice shared by someone who has invested in this community for ten plus years.

This Tuesday evening was like none other for me.  It is the point where my heart broke.  As I stood over looking the plains of South Dakota and the took in the views of the Oglala region thoughts of breaking generational behaviors flooded my emotions.

There is an entire generation being left to raise themselves just like their parents.  Alcoholism is rampant.  The feeling of hopelessness is all around which leads to unbelievable rate of suicide.  Cutting, abuse both physically and mentally....you name it.  It is there. Only on a much higher scale.

Where would I be without a faithful mother who stood firm on the truths of the Bible?  Would I be just another statistic?  Where would I be without the love and forgiveness of my Heavenly Father?  Where would I be?

These children need to know there is a better way.  These children need to know what true and genuine love looks and feels like.  These children need to know that they can be the ones who make the change.

But how will they know if there isn't someone there who can show them.  How will they know there is another way if all they see is hopelessness and despair?

What are we doing to show these precious little ones there is another way?  This is happening right before our very eyes.  People and children are suffering all over the world, but this is happening right here.  In the home of the free and the brave.  This is happening where you have every opportunity you can imagine.

Even in Pine Ridge South Dakota on the reservation there are church buildings that are erected all around.  But is the church truly doing what is commanded of them?  Are we so blinded by our every day comings and goings that we stop to truly see the need that has surrounded us?

Where would we be if someone hadn't care?  Where would I be if someone hadn't prayed?  Where will they be if we refuse to be the ones who care, pray and show them not only our love, but most importantly the Love of Christ?

Rob & Kathi Dyer, Tyler & Ayren Dykstra THANK YOU for being obedient to call God placed before you.  THANK YOU for not turning a blind eye and showing the love of Christ to so many who desperately need it!

God Bless!

~Misti~