Could you give up your son

A few years ago, a couple from my father's church introduced the idea of foster parenting. Having an empty nest and still being relatively young, they made the decision to take in children born to unfortunate circumstances. Having been raised in this church, it still owns a piece of my heart so we keep in touch and visit often. Having lunch with my family almost every week after church, I get to hear the stories.

This couple has had several children in their home and has loved them unconditionally regardless of their circumstances. Three years ago they brought home a one year old boy with ivory skin and clear blue eyes. This child, affectionately called Bo, won everyone's heart.

For three years, the church has seen this child grow and settle down into a confident, secure child. He is loved by many. I would venture to say that he won everybody's heart but none like my father's. As a deacon, my father has taken his place on the front row of the church for years! That has not changed.

When dad met Bo, he was taken in by the child and immediately drawn to him. Dad would bring him a cookie every Sunday and every Sunday, Bo knew where to go. He very quickly learned two things....how to point to dad and how to say cookie. My father would often come to Sunday lunch with a story of Bo. Each time he spoke of him he reflected a joy that comes only from loving a child.

At church events, Dad was always seen looking for Bo or heard talking about Bo. Bo has been with our friends and part of that church family for almost three years. I recall dad coming home one day telling a story of how Bo got in trouble in church. He stated that Bo went to the corner and cried and it was all Dad could do to not weep with him.

We very recently received some unwelcomed and heartbreaking news. Our friends learned that Bo will be returned to be rejoined with his biological brothers [also children]. Bo is now four years old.

This reunion will not include his biological parents. A reunion for children will mean a heart break for the adults who have loved, raised and doted on Bo. In discussions with my family members, we recognize that this move will be difficult for my father. He loves that child. A child with skin and eyes a different color from his own children but who's heart is fused with his.

I can not imagine how difficult this must be for our friends. Bo is the second child they have returned to another environment. However, the difference in Bo is evident. His manners are impecable and his love for others contagious. He has been raised with a love for God and despite his young years, he knows he is loved.

I weep as I write this, as much for Bo as for my father. How difficult it must be to give up a son. Two thousand years ago, our Heavenly Father gave his only son. Near the cross of Jesus stood his mother...[John 19:25]

Our friends took this child knowing that one day they would have to "give him back." God sent His son knowing that one day, He would take on the sins of the world but the only way to do that was through giving up His own life.

Obedience is diffucult but just as difficult would be the idea of knowing what would eventually come. Although Jesus could have backed out, he could have run away, he could have hidden, he was obedient....he walked that walk and allowed us the opportunity at eternal life but giving up his own.

Bo is our son...could you give up your son?

For God so loved the world, that He gave his only son, that whosoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.
John 3:16