Open My Eyes

I must admit, sometimes I think I'm a little naive about all that goes on in this world. Today I read an article about teenage runaways and how their numbers are increasing. I knew that there were runaways, but probably, like much of the world, I've not come face to face with it, so it just hasn't affected me. The realization of that fact disturbed me.

This article gave some astounding data and focused in on the National Runaway Switchboard, a 1-800 crisis hotline. In some cases they are able to direct teens to shelters such as Safe Place, a national organization that is mainly sponsored by United Way and private donations. I began to wonder if there was some place in Harnett County for a runaway to go. Now, I have not done extensive research here, however, what I have found is that as far as Safe Places go, they are located in Charlotte, Gastonia, Greensboro, Raleigh, Sanford, and Winston-Salem. I also discovered that in 2007 the National Runaway Switchboard handled 176,609 calls. Of those calls, 4,269 of them were from North Carolina.

For a teen who is fleeing a dangerous home situation and has no place else to go or for the pregnant teenager who's parents have just thrown her out of the house and she lives in Erwin, North Carolina, her options are limited if she does not have transportation. My heart broke as I read the article. No child should have to grow up in a dangerous situation and likewise, no child should lose the love of their family.

I am so blessed to have come from a family that is full of love. I never doubted my parents love for me. Even when I went to my family with my now ex-husband to share with them the life shattering news of his addiction, I watched my family exhibit love and forgiveness towards him that can only come from Christ. I do not know why my sister and I were given such an amazing family, but I am grateful to God everyday that I grew up in a family where love was never withheld and forgiveness and grace was freely given.

I can not imagine what these teenagers must face every day. There's no way I can come close to comprehending what they must feel when they leave home or when they are thrown out of their home, with no other options. These are some of the homeless on our streets. We can not ignore them. I can not ignore them.

Young people in our society need adults who will love them. They need someone to believe in them and to encourage them. I know that I can not correct the problems of the world. But I can make a difference in Bunnlevel. I must open my eyes to the world around me and make sure that I am an instrument of God's love. If Christians, one by one, around the world would do this, it would make a difference. We must find a way to reach those who are on the fringe and those who are already on the streets. As Christians, we must find a way to offer these teens Hope and Love and introduce them to the One who already loves them, just as they are.