Our Story: A FATHER, A LITTLE BOY, AND FORECLOSURE ~ Updated

Saturday, August 27, 2011

A FATHER, A LITTLE BOY, AND FORECLOSURE ~ Updated


Steven Alexander Cross, 60

I came across this story last night and my heart sunk on many levels. First, for a little boy whose life just changed forever as a result of the abandonment of his father. Secondly because my husband and I understand the desperation of this father; losing his home and having to sell all of his belongings. Fearing for the safety and well-being of his child. In a note he left behind to his 11 year old son, this father wrote:

“If this paper is wet it’s because I am crying so bad. You know your dad loves you more than anything,” the letter said. Elsewhere he wrote: “There are many, many great years ahead for you. Not so for me.”

Granted, we don't know all of the particulars of this man's situation, and what future news reports will unveil. And of course we do not agree with the abandonment of his young son; but we do completely understand the impact of his circumstances in having his struggle at 60 years of age; his life dismantled through loss of employment, the selling of all and losing his home through foreclosure. We pray this man is still alive.

My husband and I have endured a few backhanded words of encouragement in the form of "There are others worse off than you, keep your head up!"; as though a starving child over in Somalia lessens the impact of the devastation going on right now in our lives in middle-class America. Perhaps implying that we have no reason for battling depression or hurting during this difficult time.

"But whoso hath this world's good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him?" I John 3:17

Michael Daniel, 60 (Oct. 2011)

We completely understand that there are individuals who are suffering greater tragedy than we are. But does that mean we are to turn a blind eye to those who are hurting right here in our own country and local neighborhood communities?

When someone makes a comment such as the above; are they even engaged in reaching out to those starving children in Somalia; or is it simply just a means by which they are able to justify their inattentiveness to the cries around them from those hurting whom they come to know or hear about?

It is undoubtedly true that there are many others out there who are worse off. Consequently, it doesn't appear to be any of those few unsympathetic who have recited this cliche. Sadly, we fear that many middle-class, middle-aged victims of fraud, foreclosure, and/or unemployment in America are being unfairly categorized as the "presumed" privileged who somehow are undeserving of sympathy and somehow deserving of a lesson or rebuke through financial devastation. Many of whom have succumb to a fatal sense of hopelessness.

"Whoso stoppeth his ears at the cry of the poor, he also shall cry himself, but shall not be heard." Proverbs 21:13

This blog is not just about us, but us all and our need as professing Christians to continually allow God to reveal the condition of our hearts; our prejudices, fears, enviousness of others, selfishness and covetousness. And our need to look beyond the age, class and any prejudicing external facade so that we are available to be used by God in any fashion He desires of us to reach out to the broken and broken hearted. Sometimes the call may simply be that of one to fast and pray for another; to be available to read between the lines a silent cry of despair.

We all may not have money, clothing, shelter or food to hand out; but we can surely find some time to pray or to reach out and listen to those God draws across our path. Of course, that is if our priorities are in check and we aren't to busied with the pleasures of this world.

There but for the grace of God go we all.

Matthew 25:34-40
³⁴Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world:
³⁵For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in:
³⁶Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me.
³⁷Then shall the righteous answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, and fed thee? or thirsty, and gave thee drink?
³⁸When saw we thee a stranger, and took thee in? or naked, and clothed thee?
³⁹Or when saw we thee sick, or in prison, and came unto thee?
⁴⁰And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.

For those out there who think that some deserve their demise, beware lest ye forget the admonishment of the wise King Solomon. Our lives are but a vapor and we will be judged in the same manner in which we judge another (Matthew 7:1-5):

"Rejoice not when thine enemy falleth, and let not thine heart be glad when he stumbleth:" Proverbs 24:17

Steven,
This is for you.
We wish we knew where you were.

You and your son are in our prayers.
Know that you are not alone and
that we and God love you.
There is always room for one more in the boat.
Mike & Netty