advocate // verb: to speak in support or defense of a person; noun: a person who pleads in behalf of another
I think all of my college business classes and front desk receptionist days serve me well as a foster mom. My husband, Bryce, insists that I have a specific on-the-phone-with-a-client voice that I unknowingly pull out for all of my advocating phone calls.
Once a child enters our home, I am a crazy mama bear on a mission, making sure they receive everything they need. Back in the spring with our little Baby K, we had 47 meetings, appointments, and visits in 10 weeks. That doesn’t include probably 100+ phone calls/texts/emails I sent on his behalf. Sometimes the advocating piece of foster care feels like a full time job!
As a foster mom, I consider myself our child’s voice, even to the point of annoyance if I must. As a foster parent, I am the advocate; I speak out in support of my precious little one. I advocate on their behalf, pleading for their safety and well-being and care.
But their greatest Advocate? Jesus. Which is a relief because sometimes (often!) my efforts seem so futile and insufficient. That’s exactly the moment when I must lay the case, the child, and all my frustrations before Jesus, trusting Him to be who He is. Good, faithful, and sufficient. I am so grateful for His promise: “to help you and be with you forever” (John 14:16). Jesus loves our foster children even more than I do—He alone is their perfect Advocate.
Even now my Witness is in heaven, and my Advocate is in the heights!
Job 16:19
