Day 14

Beatrice’s home, which was once filled with fear, worry, anger, and sadness, now brimmed with trust, happiness, growth, and love. Her family continued to learn how to work together. The small house that had been a brewing den began to feel like a home where Beatrice could thrive.

But then Beatrice’s heart grew heavy. She recently learned that Bernard, a boy she knew in her village, and Beth, a young girl around the bend, had both lost their parents. Their parents died because their addictions to alcohol led to weak bodies and malnourishment. She couldn’t imagine the pain these kids were going through, and it broke her heart. She offered these burdened thoughts to the Lord:

Oh God, my heart is hurting for Bernard and Beth. Their lives were so hard even with their moms and dads, and now they are orphans! Please be near them. Thank you for the training my mom attended and for saving my family because I could have been an orphan too. Please help me see how I can help Bernard and Beth. There is so much sadness, loss, and pain. Show us a way to be a family to them so they don’t feel alone and hopeless. Teach us all as a community how to take care of those who have lost parents and are alone. Help our village also learn how to empower more families who are struggling so there will be fewer orphans in our village and world. Amen.