Justice for the Poor, the Orphan and the Oppressed

If you’ve been reading my blog over the last year, you’ll recall how God led us to name our firstborn son, Justice, and the special relationship his name has to the issue of the unborn and praying for the ending of abortion.  However, we know that justice is a very vast topic that applies to all who are hurting, broken, needy, afflicted, and lost.  When I was pregnant, I decided to do a Biblical study on justice and I spoke about it at our house of prayer.  As a result, I learned a lot about this issue that is very close to the heart of God.

“The LORD loves righteousness and justice; the earth is full of his unfailing love.” (Psalm 33:5)

“Righteousness and justice are the foundation of your throne; love and faithfulness go before you.” (Psalm 89:14)

“‘…but let him who boasts boast about this: that he understands and knows me, that I am the LORD, who exercises kindness, justice and righteousness on earth, for in these I delight,’ declares the LORD.” (Jeremiah 9:24)

In it’s most basic form, justice is when wrongs things are made right, and I’m sure we can all think of many things in this world that are not as they should be.  But the one aspect I want to talk about today is specifically God’s desire to bring justice to the poor and oppressed of the earth – especially children.

“Defend the cause of the weak and fatherless; maintain the rights of the poor and oppressed.” (Psalm 82:3 )

“I know that the LORD secures justice for the poor and upholds the cause of the needy.” (Psalm 140:12)

“…learn to do right! Seek justice, encourage the oppressed. Defend the cause of the fatherless, plead the case of the widow.” (Isaiah 1:17)

What you may NOT know about our story is that when Justice was only 13 weeks old in the womb, we had planned a trip to the Dominican Republic and were going to visit one of our three Compassion sponsored children, a beautiful 8 year-old girl named Yasmel.  Only, one day before we were supposed to leave, I had complications with the pregnancy that had us worried for Justice’s life and which compelled us to cancel our trip.  Thankfully, as you realize, Justice was safe and I don’t regret taking the precaution to stay home, but my heart has always remained a little sad that we missed the opportunity to meet Yasmel. 

Then, a couple days ago I discovered that Compassion is giving bloggers the chance to be chosen to go on a trip to the Dominican Republic as a way to raise awareness for the needy children of the world that Compassion ministers to.  At first my heart leapt at the thought of possibly going, but I realized that it wouldn’t be possible quite yet, since Justice is still too young – perhaps one day when he is older we’ll get to go.  However, I felt a little silly that I had never thought to use my blog before as a means to be an advocate for these precious children.  What better way to use whatever small influence I may have in the world wide web than to help bring the needs of these oppressed, weak, and often helpless little ones to the attention of someone who might find it in their heart to sponsor them?

Not once in the last 5 years, have Joe or I ever regretted the money we give monthly in order to sponsor our three Compassion kids.  Their pictures are framed in our hallway and are on our fridge and we love the letters we get from them!  These amazing children who have so little, are still caring enough to ask about our needs and pray for us!  If you want to partner with God’s heart for the poor of the earth and His special love for children, as well as His burning desire to bring justice to the earth, then I would encourage you to consider sponsoring a child through Compassion International or Compassion Canada. 

I also hope to bring you more information about Compassion’s ministry over the following months, so stay tuned for news on the needs of poor children across the globe, other ways you can get involved, prayer requests, and more!