It is quite common for each of us to put up barriers of protection between ourselves, our families, and any perceived threat. The problem for many of our families is that these coping mechanisms can keep out the good along with the bad. Often times when a family comes into the Samaritan Inn, they feel that there is little good in the world or in the people they meet. Having a “me against the world” mentality, they find it hard to trust others and have little hope.
After the invitation to move into the Samaritan Inn, it can take some time for the walls to come down. Jesus invites us all in Matthew 11:28 “Come to me, all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” Yet, the requirement is the same, we must trust in Him in order for His work to change our lives.
This process, though it can be painstakingly slow, is beautiful to watch. Though this process is recurring among our families, one particular family comes to mind. Bianca, a single mother, and her daughter, Nahla, came to us from a strict legalistic family that relied heavily on doing all the right things, yet had no relationship with Jesus. This left her with broken relationships and a mistrust of others. In fact, upon arrival, it was scarce to see her or her daughter out of their room.
However, over time the love of others has torn down those walls and she now says that this place and the people of our church have become the family she never knew existed. She recently told me that she cannot imagine living anywhere else because of the community she has here.
You see, the most beautiful invitation isn’t when we invite a family to live at the Samaritan Inn. It is when they accept the invitation of Jesus, and so, they start to invite us into their lives. A weighty yet cherished privilege indeed.
In Luke 10:23 Jesus turns to his disciples and says, “Blessed are the eyes that see what you see.” And we are blessed, with your continual support, to see Jesus work in the lives of our residents every day!
If you would like to partner with us at the Samaritan Inn to reach into the lives of these families, contact Daryl@christiancarecenter.org
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