A young teenager living on the streets gives birth to a young baby girl. Baby Momma, overwhelmed, distraught, and in despair turns to selling sex for dope to cope. Long story short, on a night she could have OD’d or gotten herself killed, she gets arrested and thrown in jail. She sits there awaiting bail. She won’t get out anytime soon. The criminal justice system isn’t in a hurry to process the likes of her. It’s doubtful she’ll get much of an attorney from the public defender pool. Her Auntie, who also lives on the streets, promises to take her baby girl in and watch over her. Auntie is excited. She gets to be a mom again after having previously tried and failed to raise several other children. A new mouth to feed equals a government check. “Progress ain’t always pretty,” she pontificates, “but out here that’s what we call a win-win.”
”He is the Rock; his deeds are perfect. Everything he does is just and fair. He is a faithful God who does no wrong; how just and upright he is!“
Deuteronomy 32:4 NLT
In the midst of despair, when the world seems shrouded in shadows, it is crucial to remember the enduring love and compassion of the Lord. This narrative, though heavy with sorrow, is not beyond the reach of God’s grace and redemption.
The situation of the young baby momma and her auntie, as dire as the reality of it is, still holds a glimmer of potential transformation and hope.
For us, it serves as a poignant reminder of the increasing need for compassion, intervention, and support for those drowning in despair from those of us who can offer it. If we can help, then we should.
Whether it be through prayer, practical assistance, or guidance, the Bible encourages us to care for the least among us.
“And the King will say, ‘I tell you the truth, when you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were doing it to me!”
Matthew 25:40 NLT
This story underscores the critical importance of seeking a supportive, sustainable community that can offer guidance and direction.
In my humble opinion, the Church should be a place of refuge and assistance, offering both spiritual counsel and practical aid to those in need. Th Church should be there to keep people from falling through the cracks and to help pull them out of the pit. Sometimes, this is true. I see it all the time. But just as often, I don’t.
This narrative is a reminder of the cycle that can ensnare families and individuals for generations. Before they know it, their lives are handcuffed in generational bondage without the newest member of the family circle ever having a chance to speak.
Apart from the transformative power of Christ, breaking these cycles is impossible.
So what are we to do, my friend?
Great question.
We must first identify the next right step.
The power of prayer, seeking God’s guidance, and reaching out to those who can provide help and support are all key factors in the road to healing and restoration.
The path to transformation and redemption always begins with a single step toward God. We must be willing to meet Jesus at the Cross.
May you be blessed in the week that lies ahead. May God speak to you through prayer and may you have ears to hear and a heart to listen.
Don’t forget to tell somebody about Jesus!
Rainer Bantau —The Devotional Guy™
The Devotional Guy™ 
That’s a good distance from my porch here in Richardson, Texas! Greetings and welcome to you as well, Gintas. I hope you continue reading my blog. Thank you for your prayers of support and blessings of encouragement.
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Greetings from Netherlands. God bless you and your work
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Thanks for sharing your insights Gintas and for reading my post. Yes—the One Anothers are key in our expression of faith. Getting back on your feet is often harder than falling. It helps having people around you to lift you up when you need a hand. Blessings 🙏
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Amen. Transformation in Christ is essential.
I remember seeing once when we were distributing food, i explained for a homeless where he can find “Salvation Army” as where we live Salvation Army can help to find and assist with appartments. Some time later he was so happy to have a apartment. Some time later he was again on the street. Reason: started to invite his friends and drink or use drugs (do not remember exactly) and soon found himself on the streets again…
On the other hand,
The church can be a very lonely place not only for visitors but for also its members. When we were involved in homeless outreach ( food+ word of God), I got impression they received more attention on the streets than in those rare cases when they visited the church.
As apostle Peter said – in godliness show brotherly kindness – in brotherly kindness love. When there is true one anothering in a congregation, the love radiates outside and can become a place where the outsiders come and find love, help and support.
It seems that out- reach must be combined with in-reach.
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The stories I encounter certainly stretch the boundaries between reality and imagination. At the end of the day, you can’t really make them up. I hope that I captured this one well and in a way that glorifies the Lord. I’m glad you related with it through your own experiences. It’s a harsh, cruel world. I am glad God gets the last say.
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Transformation begins with a single step toward God. Amen, brother.
Some readers may think the story you shared is a little far-fetched, but I’ve worked with 4 and 5 year old’s who started out like that little baby. Auntie tries, but she’s ensnared by the same vices and pitfalls of poverty that landed her niece in jail. Add in a little (or a lot) of mental illness and it’s an even more terrifying recipe. God’s children really must be the hands and feet of Christ, and that often means being willing to sacrifice for others. Great post, brother!
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