Being near to the broken hearted. . .

At Justin’s Place something myself and the staff frequently discuss is the disconnect between individuals in the community and those who need support. As a non-profit, we rely heavily on people’s financial donations, volunteer hours and general support. We can try our best to share the need, the stories and the information- but ultimately is up to YOU to choose to draw near to those who need your support.

Let me preface this post with saying that in NO WAY simply because an individual has a disability to they always need help from a non-disabled person. I do not think simply because someone has a disability they are ‘broken hearted’. But there are certainly moments where our participants have deep heart ache and struggle. Sometimes this deep hurt and frustration is related to a symptom of a disability.; perhaps not being able to communicate their needs or their pain. Sometimes this heart ache comes from the abuse or neglect of a caregiver or lack of their basic needs being met.

I’m frequently reminded of Psalm 34:18 where it says God is near to the brokenhearted. I think about how Christians aim to draw near to God and follow the footsteps of Jesus. I wonder how many people intentionally seek out individuals who may be “broken hearted”. I am amazed by our volunteers who do this on a weekly basis. They let their heart hurt for the struggles of kids in their community. They wrestle with the injustices and lack of general support for our families we serve. They are near to the ‘broken hearted’.

It is one thing to hear a fact that 11% of children in Jessamine county don’t know where their next meal is coming from. It’s another thing to draw near to a child to ask them what their favorite part of their weekend was and feel your gut sink when they say they “got their food check and were able to go grocery shopping.”

It is one thing to learn that a child has an inability to speak. It's another thing to draw near and hold space and bear witness for that child through moments of aggression and tears and exhaustion, as they fight to be understood.

It is one thing to hear the mission of Justin’s Place and say “that’s great”. It’s another thing to draw near, witness the transformation of a child on horseback and feel your heart soar when they belly laugh in joy after weeks of struggle.

As I ponder what a privilege it is to bear witness to the struggles and triumphs of our kiddos, I wonder what it may take to get more individuals in our community to take that first step and begin to draw near. I’m a firm believer that once you draw near to the children that Justin’s Place serves, your heart will break in all the extraordinarily joyful and incredibly painful ways. You will see that you can make a difference in the life of another. You will see that you can learn SO much from those you serve. And you will understand the privilege of what it looks like to draw near to those who need it most in your community.