By Derek Brown, Ph.D., LPC
Executive Director, Arkansas Baptist Children’s Homes & Family Ministries
Have you ever heard the expression, “A picture is worth 1000 words.”? For some pictures, that valuation is far too low. Working with children from hard places, the most valuable pictures are often those that can’t be shared. It’s quite unfortunate that the most viral-worthy photos in our collection are to forever remain private. At the same time, perhaps it’s the pictures and stories that can’t be shared that keep us ready to fight another round. With a growing number of vulnerable children and an already insufficient number of adults fighting for them, these unseen images are a treasured gift.
The image that captures the smile of a little girl being reunited with her big brother is worth far more to the heart than anything money can buy. The emotional stir created by the video of an adoption being finalized cannot be replaced by something found in a store. The best poet could not find the words to replace the image that a heart will not forget. These are the images that motivate our hearts to fight another day for the children who deserve a better life. These pictures remind our souls of what is most important in this life. If you need some inspiration in your life, I challenge you to get involved in our ministries to the children and families of Arkansas. Become a foster parent or part of a support system for a child or family in need. It won’t take long before you find yourself holding onto a treasured story or image that can’t be shared. Send me an email and get started today: dbrown@arkansasfamilies.org.