Beloved Sons -- A Mother's Reflection

And suddenly a voice came from heaven, saying, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.”  Matthew 3:17

How beautiful are the words of God.  How beautiful when read and reflected by former street boys.  While Casa G was under renovation, the boys lived in our home.  Each evening we read the Bible together.  I loved hearing them read.  Their voices resonated deep into my heart and my ears. 

Over the past weeks we experienced the sweetness and growth of living life together as family.  Laughter and lively discussions around the dinner table, conflict resolution, homework done listening to Christian rap, laundry lessons, chore lists, bedtime prayers.  I (Debbie) was blessed with hugs and besitos morning and night.  The boys demonstrated respect, gratefulness and a willingness to serve.  Every day provided opportunities for learning, by all of us.  The weeks drew us closer together. 

One week ago the boys started the transition back into Casa G.  It has been fun to watch them take ownership and pride in their home, working hard to clean, sort and put things back in order.  Although I was truthfully glad for the respite from so much activity, the silence in our house made it feel very empty. 


Celebrating Alejandro's birthday while boys were living in our home.

Three days later the boys were back in our living room for our usual Tuesday night dinner and devotions.  Once again the boys’ voices resonated in our living room as they read God’s word together.  The boys were animated and engaged as we discussed Matthew 4:1-11 and how to combat temptation through being secure in our identity in Christ Jesus. 

At the end of our time I challenged the boys to listen to the voice of their Father and not what they might say about themselves or what the world might say about them.  Just as God spoke to His son, Jesus, He speaks to them because they are His sons.  “You are my beloved son in whom I am well pleased.”  No longer called street kids.  Rather, sons of the King.