A Post I Don't Want To Write

Our 19-year-old adopted daughter left home. (I insert the word "adopted", not as an excuse, disclaimer or explanation, but as information that adds to the complexity of her leaving. She was adopted by us at the age of 7.) She ran away from home to be more excruciatingly honest. We know where she is, thanks to living in a small town where it is fairly difficult to live with much anonymity, but we haven’t spoken to her since last Sunday afternoon. She was given a ride to a nearby town by a friendly (thankfully) farmer. She is staying in a “shelter” that is “safe”, but not as safe as home. The facts are wearisome and for Christine’s sake I won’t go into them here. I said I didn’t want to write this post. Then why did I? One: I’m asking for prayer for Christine. Please pray for honesty and truth. Pray for safety and protection. Pray for repentance. She is 19 in years, but not in emotional, intellectual or mental development. Please pray for Mike and me and others who love her and those who are getting to know her now. Two: I blog… and though this blog is not a diary of secrets best kept under lock and key, obviously, it does contain honest thoughts, struggles, and joys about living as a “Tulip in the Thicket”. I’ve always loved that word picture as well as the photograph. Now, it seems to be a strange metaphor in full bloom. Three: As I thought about the personal content of this post (the exposure) and wondered about keeping quiet about this, I also felt I’d be dishonest in not sharing. So I share, but I will not dwell here. I wrestle with an urge to defend or vindicate myself and an urge to spit out what it is I imagine to be God’s purpose and how He may be working in the situation and I shake my head at my presumptuousness. God’s ways are far above ours! Isaiah 55:9-11 Prudence and Honesty have argued with each other and have come to an understanding. If this seems to the point, it is. The truth is I’m weary and disheartened, but not without hope…ever. Psalm 42:11 Romans 5:3-8