Loving the Untouchables
Posted: Sunday, August 10, 2008
by Angie Downing
My two youngest daughters were 2 and 4 when they started attending AA meetings with my husband who had been sober for almost 6 years. They loved going with him, and have probably attended more then 150 meeting in their young lives. I didn't go to these meetings, but maybe a handful of times over a period of 6 years. There were several times in 6 years that people I have never meet before, but for some reason knew who I was, would tell me my children had been there inspiration to continue with the AA meetings, saved their lives, or just said, I love your children they are amazing girls.
Another time we were out shopping, and again my girls ran into the arms of a stranger. This lady was well dressed, smelled nice, and had a very sweet disposition about her. They talked for a few minutes then she stood to talk with me. She introduced herself, and told me, there are weeks that go by and nobody will give her a hug. But, your girls always give me hug when I see them.. Thank you for sharing your girls with me, I really need those hugs.
I could go on, and on, about the people who I had never met until that one day when my girls are running into the arms of a stranger, and I am told my children have touched their lives in many different ways. They are teenagers now, but that unconditional love has never stopped. Even being teenagers, they are still touching, hugging and showing love to what most of world would consider an untouchable, and they go out of their way to help the less fortunate and to be friends with kids that others won't give the time of day to. At a very young age they learned to love the ones who smelled very bad, wore torn dirty clothes, and the ones that others just ignored.
These people need love, compassion and most of all they need to be understood. There are not many like my children out in the world, willing to love everyone, even the ones others consider untouchable. We have a few, but we need more.
I often wonder how many of these untouchable human beings were actually angels my children were hugging and giving their love to. The bible states, in Hebrews 13 1 & 2, 1. Let brotherly love continue. 2. Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some have unwittingly entertained angels. Jesus wants us to love everyone, family, friends, fellow church members and yes even the ones that seem to be untouchable.
I look at my girls with wonder and awe, there attitude of love and compassion for such a young age is amazing and an inspiration to me. How many lives did these 2 young children unwittingly save or change because of their unconditional love. At a young age they didn't see people the way adults see people, they saw someone that was worth loving.
Matthew 18 verses 1 thru 5 state: 1. At that time the disciples came to Jesus saying, "Who then is greatest in the kingdom of heaven". 2. Then Jesus called a little child to him, set him the midst of them, 3. and said, " Assuredly, I say to you, unless you converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven. 4. Therefore whoever humbles himself as this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. 5. Whoever receives one little child like this in My name receives me. I wonder if this Bible verse that states we must become as little children in order to enter heaven apply's to things like this? God bless the little children of the world that understand how to love the way Jesus loves.
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Top-level comments on this article: (7 total)Bravo! Well done, Angie. This is a very inspirational article. I hope it will touch the lives of others and encourage them to love... the untouchables. God bless you.HI Mark,Thank you for reading my article. There are so many people in the world that need love or at least to know that someone loves them. I hope that adults can learn the lesson that children can teach us. It's amazing how much they love. God bless you too.
Go Angie Go!! Yeah...keep up the writing. I absolutely can learn from our children. What gifts and wonderful blessings they are. By the way, after church today, Aaron stopped for a visit...I am going to be a grandma again. Jesus loves you my friend.HI Michelle,Thanks for the encouragement... I know I have learned a lot from my girls and I keep on learning valuable lessons from them. They love so easily, and regardless of what transpires, they continue to love. They have the biggest hearts I've ever seen.Congratulations Grandma!!!!! My oldest daughter is getting married in Sept, maybe we will see a grandchild in the near future.
I enjoyed reading your article
HI Bryant,Thank you for reading my article and I am glad you enjoyed it. I am truely blessed to have children with big hearts.
MOM, i didnt know that u felt that way about us when i read it i was almost in tears i dont know what to say but that ur right that jessica and i do have that and i dont even remember any of the time u talked about u i do have a feeling that ur right about everything and thats why i want to keep helping people mom i love u and thanks for everything....... <3 ashleyHI my darling Ashley,I do love both yours and Jessicas heart. I actually told you that yesterday when you were mad at me regarding a situation that took place here at home while you were gone for a week. I want you to keep loving the untouchables, helping the less fortunate, but also understand that there are times when you have to back away and let them go. As in the case here at home that your upset about. I'm proud of you and your sister, and I'm amazed at both of your hearts. Both of you are blessings to all those you come into contact with. I love you and Jessica.Mom
hi angie,the rooms of a twelve step program can change many people's lives for the better. i went to neetings for 4 1/2 years straight, every night, and of anywhere in the world, i felt that i belonged in those meetings the most.i don't go anymore, but i have stayed sober for over 14 years. if i ever feel i need to, i will be right back there. your girls sound Heavenly, and it appears their visits at those meetings showed them the humanity we all need to have. of course, you and your husband had a lot to do with their warmth, i'm sure. this was a well written article, and i hope you keep writing,my best,sue thomHI Sue,Thank you for taking the time to read my article. My husband is very active in AA, and yes, many, many lives have been saved through this program. Those meetings have had a positive effect on my girls. They have seen where people end up with drugs and alcohol and have chosen to stay clear of all it. They also developed their love for others within those rooms and that has been so rewarding watching as they grow up.Thank youHI Sue,Thank you for joining my fan club.! :)
Hi Angie, thank you for sharing this beautiful story. I would never thought to take children to a meeting like that, but ww! God did an awesome work in your husband and you. Look what it taught your children! Praise God for what he did through your willingness. This is a very well written and inspirational story. ps, I joined your fan club :-)HI Teresa,Thank you for reading my article. I am so proud of how my girls have turned out, and realized that the Lord has blessed me with children who love everyone regardless of their circumstances. God is awesome and I love him so much.Thank you for joining my fan club. :)
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