Point-of-View

How do you define love? Someone once asked a group of children between 4 and 8 years old to define “love.”

Here are some of their delightful statements:

• “When my grandmother got arthritis, she couldn’t bend over and paint her toenails anymore so my grandfather does it for her all the time, even when his hands got arthritis too. That’s love.” Rebecca, age 8
• “When someone loves you, the way they say your name is different. You know that your name is safe in their mouth.” Billy, age 4
• “Love is when my mommy makes coffee for my daddy and she takes a sip before giving it to him, to make sure the taste is okay.” Danny, age 7
• “Love is when you kiss all the time. Then when you get tired of kissing, you still want to be together and you talk more. My mommy and daddy are like that. They look gross when they kiss.” Emily, age 8
• “Love is what’s in the room with you at Christmas if you stop opening presents and listen.” Bobby, age 7
• “Love is when you tell a guy you like his shirt, then he wears it every day.” Noelle, age 7
• “Love is when Mommy gives Daddy the best piece of chicken.” Elaine, age 5
• “I know my older sister loves me because she gives me all her old clothes and has to go out and buy new ones.” Lauren, age 5

For the past 100 years Florida Baptists have been saying to children, “We love you.” To prove this love we have ministered to families in crisis. Only God in all His glory knows the good accomplished by this ministry arm of the Florida Baptist State Convention.

During 2004, while the Florida Baptist State Convention commemorates its 150-year anniversary, the Florida Baptist Children’s Homes is celebrating its centennial anniversary. Their century of caring has touched the lives of 23,000 needy children.

A Christian organization has no option but to show Christ-like compassion to children in crisis. It is a biblical mandate. Scriptures often record that Jesus was “moved with compassion.” When He felt such empathy, Jesus always responded.

The Florida Baptist Children’s Homes receive funding through the Cooperative Program. It’s a wonderful thing to know that when your church gives through the Cooperative Program, you share in this ministry to hurting children and families.

However because of the massive needs in Florida, additional funds are essential to secure the future of these children in crisis. The Children’s Homes depend on wills, trusts and direct gifts. And on Mother’s Day each year, Florida Baptists can honor their own mothers by ensuring the future of other children as they give to the Children’s Homes Mother’s Day Offering. Dollars spent helping Florida’s next generation are dollars well spent.

Upon this milestone occasion, I salute the trustees, administration and staff of our Florida Baptist Children’s Homes. May their commitment to care continue to be obvious and intentional. May the 100th year of effective service only be a prelude to effective ministry until Jesus comes.

Let me challenge you to give generously to the Mother’s Day Offering.

I have long said to folks: When your generosity exceeds your resources, God will turn your water into wine!