THE TRUE VALUE OF A SACRIFICE

As many of you know, I had my two daughters at a very young age. And over time, I decided to look into adopting a little boy. I really wanted my husband to have someone to play soccer with and of course, to prepare a boy to be like him, a man of God.

One day, one of my colleagues told me she was trying to adopt a little boy. A light lit inside of me. Because I didn´t have too much time in my hands due to my two girls, I decided to ask her how I could adopt a child. We had a quick conversation about it, because the little boy she wanted to adopt had a brother,who was 6 years old. I spoke to my husband and he immediately accepted. The child was able to stay at my house for a month. Oh! What great days!

I took him to the doctor, the dentist and bought him clothes and shoes. I was very happy to help this boy and clearly he was also helping us. One day, he woke up screaming in fright. I went up to him and hugged him. I tried to calm him down.

After that he changed completely. He became aggressive and would not listen to anyone. I thought to myself, he really needs help. So I decided to take a day to talk to him about his life. He told me about his mother, whom he loved dearly, and died with AIDS.

It was a very sad story. But I didn´t give myself into that sadness I felt, On the contrary I tried to change that situation. He wasn´t a misbehave child, and he didn´t mean any harm by his words.

But soon after that, one day, I remember I went to the supermarket and when I came back I rang the door bell. My daughter´s dog came to greet me at the door wagging his tail with excitement, he knew I was bringing him back a treat. And all of a sudden, in a matter of seconds my (son) who was also waiting for me to get home, saw the dog´s happiness upon my arrival and stomped on his paws so hard that he managed to break them. That's right! He broke the poor dog´s paws. The dog screamed like a person. It was a moment of great despair I did not know what to do. My oldest daughter picked the dog up and along with my husband took him to the hospital.

I looked at the boy and said quietly, "go to your room and wait for me there!" He obeyed.

I sat down on a chair next to him and asked, " How are you?" "Very sad!" He said. "Why did you do such a thing to the dog?" I asked. He started crying and with a shaky voice told me: "Dear mother, I can't stay here living with you, I promised my mother that I would never leave my brother! And I want to keep that promise. I ran my hand over his head and told him what he did was very wrong. I waited for my husband to arrive. When they got home, I was in shock to see the dog with two broken paws. I had to keep it together!

I spoke with my husband, and then called my colleague who had his brother, I explained the situation and she agreed to stay with both of them, it wasn't a problem for her since she didn't have any children of her own. So she adopted both children, they are very happy until today.

Today, I have observed by speaking to people on a daily basis, that there are many past traumas, or situations that children experience that makes them grow up with their hearts full of bitterness and hatred. Things which only God's pure love can heal.

In this child's case I can say we were able to correct the situation in time. But, how many children grow up with traumas, feeling inferior, incapable, despised, etc..?

Know my dear friend that you are not alone. There is a solution. God sent His only beloved Son to save mankind. This sacrifice was necessary so we can enter this narrow door, an opportunity to give ourselves to Him and receive from Him true happiness without any past traumas. God can not change your past, but you together with Him can change your present and your future. It depends on you.

It is important that you always remember that happiness doesn't mean you won't have problems, face storms in your life, work tirelessly, be in relationships without disappointments. Being happy is finding the strength to forgive yourself.

You may have flaws, be anxious or even get angry sometimes. But, do not forget that your life is your biggest investment and God wants to invest in you. Only you can prevent this investment from going bankrupt in other words dying. There are many people who need you, admire you and are rooting for you, so be strong and trust yourself. You are unique and no one else can do what you have to do for you (change).

"For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved." (John 3:16-17)

Claudia Brito
Aukland - New Zealand