The following letter was written by a former resident of the Florida Baptist Children’s Homes, a ministry of the Florida Baptist State Convention. The letter is one example of the way Florida Baptists prioritize the importance of the Sanctity of Human Life and of caring for widows and orphans. Sanctity of Human Life Sunday is observed Jan. 15 in Southern Baptist Churches. The Southern Baptist Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission, in addition, has produced the theme interpretation article on the left in observance of the international emphasis on the Sanctity of Human Life.

HI!

I am always willing to share about my experiences with Florida Baptist Children’s Home but am more honored to share about what God has done though it.

This is the year I will be turning 23 years old. I tell you this simply because when I first arrived at the Florida Baptist Children’s Home in 1996 I was 13. At that point, no way did I ever imagine God would bless me as He has. Nor did I imagine that today I would have this intimate relationship with HIM. On December 17, 2005 I received my Bachelor’s of Art degree from Florida Southern College. I will be the first in my family to graduate from a higher level of education. My art is my talent as well as my passion. These were encouraged by the individuals who worked at the Children’s Home. They took the time to be tough and bold in their witness. During difficult circumstance and emotional upheavals there are thin lines where one either “breaks or makes it.” It’s very important in these moments to have the right supports behind us. The Children’s Home has been the best kind of support. Look at me, well...ponder my words.

There is so much more I wish I had time to share with you about God’s glory, but know that I as an individual appreciate each of you for your faith and walk with Christ. The words I leave to you are words written by Solomon. They describe the despair I once lived, a despair that others are surrounded by at this present moment:

“Again I looked and saw all the oppression that was taking place under the sun: I saw tears of the oppressed – and they have no comforter; power was on the side of their oppressors – and they have no comforter. And I declared that the dead, who had already died, are happier than the living, who are still alive. But better than both is he who has not yet been, who has not seen the evil that is done under the sun.” Ecclesiastes 4:1-3 (NIV)

“As you do not know the path of the wind, or how the body is formed in a mother’s womb, so you cannot understand the work of God, the maker of all things.” Ecclesiastes 11:5 (NIV)

May God bless you in your walk!

Loving Jesus,

Ginamarie L. Gloe