There are so many scriptures that underscore the work done at Tupelo Children’s Mansion. Matthew 25:40 says, “ …Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.” The Psalmist wrote, “Defend the poor and fatherless…” Pure religion, according to James 1:27, is helping the fatherless and widows in their trouble. There are many more, but the point is simple; the Word is clear concerning the calling of true believers. Matthew 22 sums it up best when Jesus says, “….Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.”
I think the reason some struggle to find “God’s will” or to “answer the call” is directly connected to the errant expectation that answering the call means a simplified path. One thing I’ve learned throughout my life and in watching those who sacrifice on a daily basis to live a life of pure religion is that the calling is not necessarily easy. Yes, God will make a way. Yes, God will provide. Yes, God will give you strength. None of that, however, dismisses the challenges that may come our way.
Our wonderful houseparents are often in my thoughts and on my heart. These precious couples and single ladies are true heroes. They inspire me every day. One of our housemothers, Melody Brown, wrote this…
“I think more often than not, He calls us to do things that take us far beyond our comfort zone. Houseparenting will pull you and stretch you in ways that you never imagined; however, if yielding to that call positively impacts even one child for the Kingdom of God…that’s what we are here for.
It’s not to say houseparenting is without challenge. This life is an emotional roller coaster. The kids are hurt and angry many times, wondering why the adults in their lives can’t be the adults they need. We’ve all heard that ‘hurt people hurt people.’ There is so much pain in the lives of our kids.
Then there’s the beauty of seeing your kids in the altar seeking God, the breakthrough of a child you’ve spent hours talking to about forgiveness finally letting go of the hate in his heart, the kids that come as agnostic or atheist asking deep questions about God…that’s what it’s about.
Every one of them takes a tiny piece of my heart. So far, 44 pieces of my heart
have been given away in three years, and I wouldn’t trade it for the world.”
No, the calling isn’t always easy, but the outcomes are eternal. If you feel that God has been dealing with you about living a life of pure religion, giving yourself to those who are hurting, then please reach out to us! We are always accepting applications for qualified and called houseparents! We would love to discuss these opportunities with you! Simply email ermajudd@mansionkids.org with your resume and letter of interest.