She's 44 years old and still looks that great.
Ah, the life of a super model!
Paulina Porizkova came to the Community Partners of Dallas 3rd Annual Chick Lit Luncheon today. This is a fantastic luncheon -- even worth coming into town for, if you don't live in Dallas. Every year, CPD brings in an author of "Chick Lit" to speak at a ladies' luncheon, which serves as one of their fundraisers. Paulina did a great job talking about the inspiration for her novel, A Model Summer, and then dished the dirt for us as all 500 women clamored to ask questions. Truly a fun afternoon.
And I should have left the event happy.
But I didn't.
In fact, I cried all the way back to the office.
Because of the reason for the luncheon. 16,000 reasons for needing to raise money. 16,000 children in Dallas County who are introduced to Community Partners of Dallas every year. (And you only get that introduction if you have been neglected or abused.)
16,000.
That comes out to 43 children a day.
About 2 children each hour.
Community Partners of Dallas is a mind-blowing, amazing organization that partners with Child Protective Services to care for case workers and help them provide necessities for the children they call on. They provide financial assistance to relatives, so that kids can stay with family members instead of strangers in the foster system. They have bedrooms where kids can curl up with a stuffed animal in the middle of the night, when they've been taken from their house and are awaiting a foster family. CPD helps educate Moms and Dads, so they can be responsible members of society and responsible parents. They make sure kids have shoes and deodorant. And Easter baskets and Christmas presents. And warm coats in the winter. They have a storyline that kids can call and hear someone read to them -- something our children take for granted.
CPD gives children hope. And something to smile about. And a glimpse at normalcy. And a childhood.
But for me, going to a lunch and making a donation is not enough. My heart aches for these kids. I don't know what it's like to live that life. But I know what it's like to be loved by a Mom. And I know what it's like to be a Mom who loves her child. And I believe that everyone deserves to know that.
I wrestle with God a lot that life has not allowed us to move into Fostering. He's made it very clear that He has put this part of our life on PAUSE. And once again, I asked Him today, "What can I do eliminate this hell for even ONE child?"
I don't know that answer. But I do know that when I think about these kids, what I do for a living, what I have, or who I know means absolutely nothing. The truth is that what I do is grieve for these children, and what I have is a lot of room in my heart, and who I know is the One who sees even what the smallest bird is doing during the day. And with those things, I want to make a difference.
Good Lord, those statistics are staggering and heart breaking. I. Cannot. Imagine. I think of my little ones and imagine them with no one in the world looking out for them and loving them. I think of them, hungry and scared, and to makes me want to scoop every hurt, scared, dejected child and love them.
ReplyDeleteI am not in a position to do that, obviously, but I help where I can. (Locally, we have an organization called Children Today doing amazing things with homeless families) All I can do is support them when and where I can, and teach my children compassion while I love them the best I can.
Wonderful post. Thank you.
What a wonderful heart you have!
ReplyDeleteWow, what a great post! Thank you for bringing attention to such devastating numbers and what we DO take for granted. You just inspired me to look into my heart and to God to seek what I can do to help make a difference. Thank you for your big heart!
ReplyDeleteSounds like an incredible event to attend! You may have a heavy heart for the 16,000 children that you feel you can't impact right now, but I want you to think of the hundreds of lives YOU have personally impacted.
ReplyDeleteWhat about the 1600 kids who have heard you speak of the gospel in a fun and creative way at church? Or the 600 kids who know more about Jesus and talk about it with their parents because you encourage them to each week? Or the 60 kids who have come to know Jesus in their hearts as a direct result of something you have taught them???
I know both of my kiddos have been impacted personally by you. They know that Miss Christie taught them how to pray to God, give generously and love the world we live in. Just because you can't help each & everyone of those 16,000 kids right now, does not mean that your touch is not going on elsewhere in this world....right where we need it!!
Love you my dear friend!!
~Becca
Oh Christie,
ReplyDeleteThose numbers are mind blowing. It breaks my heart all that those children have to go through.
My friend has adopted two of her foster children. Her daughter, who she adopted more than 7 years ago has an attachment disorder due to abuse when she was a toddler. She has so many issues and I fear she will never have a normal life. It is so sad. But my friend has made such a difference in her life.
You are doing so much to be involved in programs that help those kids. And bringing awareness to the problem will bring more people to become foster parents and make a difference. Good for you!
XOXO
jen
Christie, you have a wonderful heart. The fact that you are asking the question and listening for God's answer is the important thing. Helping the "widows and orphans in their distress" is what God considers pure religion, therefore I know it must be in His will for you to help them, but you have to wait for His timing, too, I guess. I know that must be hard, but I'm sure what you're doing in the meantime, and especially your donations, are making a difference. You are so special!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great cause for your luncheons. It always feels good to help and give back, but the reality of the cause can be heart-wrenching sometimes.
ReplyDeleteThat's really cool that you got to have lunch with a super model!
i think you must be making a difference, if you are volunteering and raising money for this cause. i applaud you!
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