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Program Notes or Transcript

What do you think of when you hear the words, “street kids?” Does it bring up feelings of anger, fear or compassion? Hi this is Doug Flemming, on Take Five, hoping today’s topic will soften your heart about the issue, after all there’s a little bit of street kid in all of us.  Join me today on Take Five, a production of the Church of the Nazarene.  Some friends of mine work with street kids in Manila.  Some of them have been so moved they have attempted adoption.  

Reminds me of the musical “Oliver Twist” or the book “The Thief Lord.”  In both cases, kind-hearted people tried to adopt street kids.  Their intentions were always good, but the process of adoption was not easy.  The street kids were offered a safe, clean place to stay with plenty of food, but they often preferred the freedom of the streets.  That sounds a lot like our response to God’s adoption of us.

Thomas Keating, “Open Mind, Open Heart”, The action of the Spirit might be compared to a skillful parent teaching the adopted children how to behave in their new home.  Like kids pulled in off the street and seated at the banquet table in the elegant dining hall, we require a lot of time to learn and practice the proper table manners. Because of our background, we tend to put our muddy feet on the table, break the dishes and spill our food.  We sometimes attempt to run away, choosing our old habits to the disciplined life.  To learn the values of our new home, great changes in our attitudes and behavior are required.  And through it all our Father always seems to be encouraging in correction; never condemning, never judgmental, always inviting us to new life.”

Today’s Music: Always Be My Home, Rachael Lampa

Next time you are tempted to judge or condemn the homeless beggar.  Next time you feel there’s no hope for them.  Take heart.  Remember, each of us is like that child God adopted off the streets.  By His grace He is teaching us how to be in His family. Enjoy life in your father’s house. And do all you can to invite others to new life into the family.