The ancients have said "What does God require of you? To love mercy and do justice..." These two things have often seemed like opposites to me. On a color spectrum mercy would be red and justice, violet - mercy standing on one side and justice on the other. Some of us are more comfortable dancing with mercy and others of us, befriending justice.
But there is a place where mercy and justice kiss. And I stood there last night!
As orphans were brought into the room and placed in the hands of waiting parents, the conference room where we stood was transformed into a place where the sweet tenderness of compassion met the strength of the "world-made-right". It was holy ground...
...a new creation began
...new names were given
...those who did not belong, now had a home
...those who were discarded were now wanted and needed desparately
...babies smiled and parents cried
...women who had longed to hold a child called "mine" now rejoiced with full arms
...yet unknown doors of opportunity were swung WIDE open
Mercy was the mother's arms and Justice the father's - love and protection in perfect rhythm. I am blessed to have been there. I am honored to have seen such a kiss.
Sweet babies, you no longer live alone in this world. You have been given families. You are no longer one of many, you are one in a million - you are important and you matter.
Courageous parents, your arms are no longer empty, they are full along with your hearts. You have the privilege of being called "mama" and "dada". You give new names and everyone gets new life!
God, may You bless these families beyond measure. May You give them many moments where mercy kisses justice and the world is made right. May You give them great joy and delight in this new family that has been made. May You show them Your tenderness, like a mom, and Your protection, like a dad. May they find the fullness of their Home in You!!
-written in Chongqing, China - April 14th
