Okay, friends, there is not really a poster. Sometimes you believe me even when I write fiction so I want to clarify. Just some thoughts coming together with a compassion for run-a-ways and their families. I wrote something recently about homeless who won’t go home. I have some understanding of what guilt will do. It is bondage. It is one of the things that keep people from seeking a loving Savior, who does all he can to invite sinners to “Come Home.”
POSTED – WANTED – “MY PICK” – Seventeen, brown hair, brown eyes, 108 pounds. Might be with a 22 year old man, brown hair, blue eyes, 180 pounds.
The poster continued with this story:
Pick has run away from home. The results of lies, theft, and drugs finally became so obvious that family had to get help. So running away was her choice.
Have we talked to her? Yes, she admitted she did it when we went to the police to file a report. Of course, she knew we wouldn’t/couldn’t do anything against her. Therefore, we can only be left to know that she was willing to “throw” us away when she got caught. That hurts! She ran away that night.
She does know that we forgive her and want her to come home. This hasn’t dented our love for her but it will take a while to trust again. We’ve changed security codes and passwords.
Will guilt make her rationalize her actions until some day she might even decide it wasn’t all that bad! That is what deception will do.
Pick is a pretty girl – at least, she is when she is proud of herself. Recently, however, she has quit taking care of herself like she should. A ball cap to cover dirty hair is good enough. She says she is going to get married. Shouldn’t she fix up for the man she is going to marry? Does she respect him if she cannot be proud of herself when she is with him?
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Dear Teen Run-away:
Do you have a mom and dad waiting and praying for you. If so, call home. Make their day. They are waiting with open arms.
There is a real devil and he is evil. Jesus loves you. He is always waiting for the run-away – arms and heart wide open. Find a church if you don’t have one – generally someone there can help you find Jesus if you don’t know Him. He is much more faithful than even the best of parents!
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image: unsplash
Sweet aroma 
This brought me to tears, Oneta. Heartbreak for the runways that never make it back home and abounding gratitude that my runways did.
Oh, yes, those who come home to the waiting Father; so thankful for the story of the Prodigal Son, and the knowledge that some do come home – even though tattered and torn. Some know where true love is found. Thanks, Roo. Rejoice with you that yours made it home.
In all honesty I needed the reminder that being :the meanest, worst mom in the world” didn’t drive them away before they were ready. As with most things there was much more of the story that either wasn’t told or I forget now and then. ❤
Forgetting is good.
All over Australia this story rings true. It is all about ‘lies’ and ‘deception’. So like our wider world and the yearning of the Father Heart of God that ALL His Children will come HOME.
I certainly want it to apply to our Father who waits for his run-aways.Thanks for the comment.