My little children, these things I write to you, so that you may not sin. And if anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous. And He Himself is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the whole world. I John 2:1-2 (NKJV)
I am blessed that I have a job doing something I love. I went to school to become a historian, but most who major in history end up teaching or in law. I am one of the few who actually gets to make her living researching, writing, and preserving the past. I have a variety of roles, including supervisor, educator, public speaker, actor, volunteer recruiter and curator. Every day is different, and I never know what to expect. I have always felt like my work is a gift from God. So, when my job changed earlier this year to include something completely different to me, I tried to remember this responsibility came from God as well. In addition to my historical work, I took on supervision of two programs within the child welfare, dependency and delinquency system for our county. It is a far stretch for someone used to spending her day in the past to jump light years ahead into the darker side of our present day world. My eyes were opened to things I did not know existed in our community, and I spent sleepless nights because of it. The hardest part of the job is working with a group of volunteers who provide oversight for the court regarding the foster care system. By reviewing case plans and compliancy of the parents, guardians and children’s services, this group insures that all the organizations entrusted with the care of children who have been removed from their home are doing their job. The stories are haunting, the work, heartbreaking, but the people who give of their time to do it are dedicated and feel that they are making a difference in the lives of children. Today, I attended training for new volunteers and listened to a passionate speaker describe her role in the system. She told how in the role of guardian ad litem, she is an advocate for the children. She gave us the definition of advocate: one that pleads the cause of another, specifically, one that pleads the cause of another before a tribunal or judicial court. Immediately, my mind applied that definition to the One who serves as my advocate. Like a child separated from her home, I sometimes feel alone and friendless in this world. I don’t know where to turn or what I should do. I make mistakes, sin and choose poorly for which I must be held accountable. Instead of holding me responsible for my sin, Jesus died in my place. Now, He sits at the right hand of God and serves as my advocate interceding for me. He also helps me know which way to go and what direction to turn. He is always with me; I am never alone. Christ died for you as well. He is also your advocate, pleading your cause even now. Rest assured, your guardian is always on duty, ever faithful, true and wise. He can make a difference in your life if you will let Him.
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