Hello, World.

Every time I watch this video, I have the same response: Hello, World. Imagine that! Seriously, though... it completely brings me back to Earth. Sometimes I like to live in my own little world for awhile. I don't usually have emotions in my world. It's just easier that way. Then, I hear this song and all the emotions come running back. I'm hit with these overwhelming feelings of wanting to change the world... then, I run and hide again once the song is over. I don't want to feel the emotions of this world. It's sad and depressing. Thankfully, God is good. He understands my feelings, yet challenges me every day to go beyond my comfort zone to serve Him. He's never given me more than I can handle.

"Sometimes I feel cold as steel, broken like I'm never gonna heal." In my line of work, it's easy to become cold and jaded to what's happening in the world. Instead of having compassion for people, it's so easy to be critical and judgmental. With the people I see on a daily basis, it's sometimes hard to see the progress and potential in their situations. As much as I want to strangle these parents and scream at them for what they've put their kids through... I know it's not my place. All I can do is try and empower them to make the changes for themselves.

"I see a light, a little hope in a little girl." It's absolutely amazing to see the children that these parents produce. I've had angels and I've had others... however, each one is so wonderful and unique. Even my worst behaved children have been some of the sweetest, most loving kids. I see the pain and tragedy they have to constantly endure. Most grown adults would run and hide from some of the things my kids have to deal with. Despite everything they've been through, they have so much love and faith that everything is going to be okay. Sometimes they need a punching bag, sometimes they need a hug... my favorite part of the job is being able to be whatever they need me to be. God gave me a gift of patience with these children that I certainly don't have with most people.

"Well the empty disappears, I remember why I'm here; just surrender and believe, I fall down on my knees... Hello, World." I don't see how someone can be a social worker and not have faith in God. Without Him, this job would be hell. It's so comforting to know at the end of the day, no matter how horrible it may have been, God is here. God is in control and He is ultimately the one taking care of my kids. Although I often feel personally responsible for their well-being, I know my God can provide more than I will ever be able to for these children. How amazing is that? So many times, I just want to hold them and cry with them... but I know God has it under control and that He will work all things for their good. Although I may not be with the kids long enough to see it, I know He will put others in their lives who will lift them up and care for them as much as I do.

God has given me a calling and a purpose in life: to help those who cannot help themselves. This comes in many forms, but most often it's found in these children. They are literally incapable of standing up for themselves or even knowing what's in their best interest. Thankfully, God knows what's best for them and puts people in their lives who will advocate for that. I'm so humbled that God has allowed me to be one of those people. God also gives me the strength and wisdom to endure these situations on a daily basis and for that, I'm eternally grateful.