When Christian Leaders Fall: A Warning, a Lesson, and a Call to Faithfulness

Rex A Lones Over the years, Christians have watched painful scandals involving pastors, evangelists, ministry leaders, and televangelists. Some have involved sexual misconduct, financial abuse, dishonesty, manipulation, addiction, pride, or the misuse of spiritual authority. These stories can be especially troubling because the people involved often preached the very truths they later failed to liveContinue reading “When Christian Leaders Fall: A Warning, a Lesson, and a Call to Faithfulness”

This Is Not Your Fault: Helping Children Let Go of False Guilt

Hearts of Fire Foundation Few words are more important for a child entering foster care to hear than these: “This is not your fault.” Although those words are simple, many children struggle to believe them. Children often try to make sense of painful experiences by looking for a reason. Because they are still learning howContinue reading “This Is Not Your Fault: Helping Children Let Go of False Guilt”

Helping Children Understand Why They Are in Foster Care: Answering Difficult Questions With Honesty and Compassion

Hearts of Fire Foundation One of the hardest moments for any caregiver, caseworker, counselor, or trusted adult is when a child looks up and asks: “Why am I here?” Other questions often follow: “Did I do something wrong?” “When can I go home?” “Why couldn’t my mom or dad keep me?” “Does my family stillContinue reading “Helping Children Understand Why They Are in Foster Care: Answering Difficult Questions With Honesty and Compassion”

The First Week in Foster Care: Helping Children Adjust to Their New Normal

Hearts of Fire Foundation The first week in foster care is often a time of emotional ups and downs—for both the child and the caregiver. During the first day or two, many children are simply trying to make sense of what has happened. They may be tired, frightened, unusually quiet, or overwhelmed by the manyContinue reading “The First Week in Foster Care: Helping Children Adjust to Their New Normal”

The First Night in a Foster Home: How Caregivers Can Help a Child Feel Safe

Hearts of Fire Foundation The first night in a foster home is often one of the hardest nights in a child’s life. For the caregiver, it may feel like the beginning of a new relationship. For the child, it may feel like the end of everything that was familiar. Whether a child enters foster careContinue reading “The First Night in a Foster Home: How Caregivers Can Help a Child Feel Safe”

What a Child May Feel When Entering Foster Care

Entering foster care can be one of the most confusing and emotionally intense experiences in a child’s life. Even when removal from home is necessary for safety, the child may not experience the moment as a rescue. The child may experience it as a sudden separation from parents, siblings, pets, friends, school, belongings, routines, andContinue reading “What a Child May Feel When Entering Foster Care”

Empowering Young Hearts: How Volunteering Builds Compassion and Character in Children

Volunteering for Children: Building Compassion and Character Rex A Lones The Value of Early Service No one is too young to learn the value of kindness and helping others. Volunteering is often thought of as something for adults, but children volunteers have a special role in shaping their own hearts and the world around them.Continue reading “Empowering Young Hearts: How Volunteering Builds Compassion and Character in Children”