The "Stranger Things" of Foster Parenting

After finishing the first season of "Stranger Things", I reflected on various elements of the show and how it relates to the world around me.  Here is my conclusion in a nutshell: We are constantly running into the upside-down. 

As a foster parent and pastor, I realize that my life is constantly leading me into murky and uncomfortable settings.  For some, it could be the death of a loved one, a marriage on the rocks, a debilitating diagnosis, a job loss, addiction,or a child removed from their home and sense of normalcy.  Many find themselves in a real "upside-down".  It's scary and even dangerous at times.  As a foster parent you never know when you are going to go next. You are getting groceries, watching TV, or even sleeping in the middle of the night and the phone rings. You answer it and you hear a DCS worker's voice asking you if you will take in a child who is in need of immediate services.  In blink of an eye you are preparing yourself and your home for the reality that you are once again stepping into a reality that is horribly unfamiliar, possibly dangerous, and very complicated. 

In the upside-down of fostering, there are real monsters on the prowl.  Abuse (in many forms), neglect, drug exposure, fear, physical/mental/emotional wounds, etc. But here's the thing....you run into the upside-down.  Why?  Because there is a kid who is terrified more than you are and needs to be told they are safe and that you are with them. You have no idea what you are getting ready to encounter. Sure, you might have an idea of what is out there from previous cases and placements, but every case is different with it's own dangers and monsters.  But that does not matter.  There is a kid in a scary reality who is terrified and lost and they need you.  So you run into the upside-down of life, never looking back, for their sake.

There is a passage of scripture that for me sums up why my wife and I run into the "upside-down" of foster parenting:

^1-2 Those of us who are strong and able in the faith need to step in and lend a hand to those who falter, and not just do what is most convenient for us. Strength is for service, not status. Each one of us needs to look after the good of the people around us, asking ourselves, “How can I help?”
^3-6 That’s exactly what Jesus did. He didn’t make it easy for himself by avoiding people’s troubles, but waded right in and helped out. “I took on the troubles of the troubled,” is the way Scripture puts it.      - Romans 15:1-4 MSG

So strong and brave foster parent, do not be afraid to wade right in and help out.  If you are able to take a placement (I fully understand that sometimes you have to say no for various reasons),  do not let fear of the unknown keep you from running into the upside-down of life.  Children of abuse and neglect are counting on you.  

Run.