"Ransom"?

Blogging on the fly is something I do a lot because...well, because that's life for me right now. On the other hand, I hope to be responsible and take seriously the things I write. I don't want to mislead anyone. As a youth leader, Sunday school teacher, wife, parent and believer, I will be held accountable for the things I say and do (and don't do).

All that to say, I was asked a question today that is worthy of addressing here. Thank you, friend, for asking me candidly. Some of you may or may not have noticed that I've recently started using the term 'ransom,' and I was asked why.

The question got me to thinking that if I've offended one, I may have offended others. While my opinion and use of the term hasn't changed, I will explain my motive. So at the risk of losing some of you, here goes...

As I use the term 'ransom', it is NOT:

~ to elevate myself as some type of savior

~ to imply a crime has been committed

As I use the term 'ransom' it IS:

~ the price paid for release from captivity

So what is captivity? In terms of our children, it can be so many different things. It's more poignant to us now that our teen son is home. Every child and every situation is different, but our children may be held captive by:

~ their loss(es)

~ physical/medical needs not met

~ neglect

~ trauma

~ living conditions

~ prospect of future (living on the street, a nursing home...)

~ hopelessness

Even among children who come home, some don't experience freedom. Some will battle emotional, physical or spiritual captivity the rest of their lives. That's not the 'happy stuff' we like to blog about, but it's the truth. There is a 'cost'!

Fortunately, many will overcome captivity and experience freedom! In my mind there is only One who can set us free, and there is nothing impossible for Him!

My children have been held captive, not by their choice or their actions, and a 'price' must be paid to release them.

It is my responsibility and privilege as their parent to help them become free from circumstances or things which hold them captive. The only way I know to do that is to point them to the One who paid the ultimate ransom, JESUS!

And I can't do that until the ransom has been paid to bring them home!

I hope this blog is a testimony of our faith and choice to follow hard after the Lord, never wanting to miss anything He has for us, no matter how crazy it seems. Trust me, there's nothing special about us apart from our Lord Jesus.

Jesus said, "I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you."