The Why
Looking back at what motivated me or moved me into starting a non-profit like Elizabeth House can be summed up in two words: injustice and compassion. I saw the injustices of issues such as poverty, child abuse/neglect, violence, inequities, lack of resources/opportunities, and I just could not NOT do something.
Of course, as a Christian, I felt a higher calling. I believe that God calls each of his followers to step in the gap in some way. The Bible I read speaks loud and clear of these words and actions: justice, mercy, grace, love. Yes, there is the message of sharing the good news, but to me, THAT is the good news. God is a God of hope, healing, restoration, and we are called to make right the wrongs that we see in this world. As I looked at my own life early on, I just could not understand or be at peace with the stark reality that I was born where I was born, into the family that I had, while others had so little in terms of opportunities, resources, access,
My Uncle Roy influenced me toward this type of calling. He devoted most of this life to working with World Vision in SE Asia. I adopted early on the motto that the founder of World Vision, Dr. Bob Pearce said: “Let my heart be broken with the things that break the heart of God.” I felt my heart breaking, and this is where the compassion comes in. That gut-wrenching feeling that moves a person to do something, take action, no matter how small or insignificant it might be.
Prior to the opening of Elizabeth House, I was working for Child SHARE, a faith-based organization that recruited and supported foster families within the church community, I saw these kids coming and going through the child welfare system, and while at first my heart went out to the kids, I soon learned of many of the circumstances of these parents, especially the mothers. These moms were not that different from myself as a mom. We loved our babies and wanted the best for them. At times, I became overwhelmed to the point of anger and rage. Withholding judgement, I understand the feelings that can lead to abuse.
The difference, however, was that I had the support of a husband, and could reach out for paid help if I needed it (housekeeper, therapy, support groups). I also did not worry where the next meal would come from, or how I would afford my baby’s health care. I didn’t have to go on a bus to get my groceries. However, the biggest difference of all was this: my family of origin was not poor or lacking in opportunity or resources. There was no history of incarceration or drug abuse or gang violence. There was no history of systemic racism or discrimination. There was no generational trauma.
I can humbly say that I will never in a million years understand what it is like to be a mom with the above challenges. I will never feel the kind of pain or hopelessness that many of our moms from Elizabeth House have endured. And yet, what I do know is that these moms have taught me more about hope and resilience and courage than I ever learned from all the opportunities I had as a privileged person from a loving family. THIS is why I do what I do. THIS is why I love what I do.
“I set out in my life with ambitions to change the world. What I wasn’t prepared for was how the world would change me.” -Debora J Unruh
