It was a simple Facebook post, another You Tube video. One of many, many I have seen over the past year.  However, I was ill-prepared for the impact of 39 seconds on my heart!!!

The video is of a drill sergeant who has been called in by a little boys mother to help “scare him straight”. Obviously the little boy had behavior that was out of control and a real challenge to his mama!! The response of that little boy to the officer was astounding as the officer, in an attempt to cause the boy to become afraid of his harsh leadership, answered the sergeant’s question “DO YOU WANT ME TO BE YOUR DADDY TILL YOU’RE 18?? with a sincere response……Yes!

The officer, caught off-guard, shouts at the boy, “WHY DO YOU WANT ME TO BE YOUR DADDY, BOY??  The boys tears up and says in a sincere voice, “Because I don’t got no daddy, sir.”   The officer breaks and grabs that boys in a compassionate hug! I melt into a puddle of tears!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gVXXDtWtHDY               (to find the clip)

I am left thinking about the holidays ahead and the many, many children whose hearts have been broken by being left by a parent because of divorce, death, or other circumstances beyond their control.  God’s word speaks clearly about His heart that we would reach out to the fatherless.

Thinking deeper, I have to consider that kids who misbehave, or “act out”  do so often times, out of a broken heart. Those of us who have known the wonderful love of our parents are so blessed!  Perhaps ,in this holiday season, we can all keep our hearts open to love on kids around us who are facing rejection and challenge.

Is there a child (children) in your world who could use a soft touch of love and encouragement from you today?  Is there a way you can help heal a broken heart; bring hope?

Isaiah 1:17 says; ” Learn to do right; seek justice. Defend the oppressed. Take up the cause of the fatherless; plead the case of the widow.”

You never know how richly you’ll be blessed in the process……………………  🙂