Whenever I pray for our foster grandchild, I ask God to enable him to speak. He was brought to our son and daughter-in-law for emergency, short term foster care. Although he was just an infant, he had severe injuries including brain trauma and broken bones. His future was uncertain, and it seemed doubtful that he would ever walk or relate with other people. It has now been three plus years, and the Court has determined that he should be adopted by the only parents he has ever known.

It has been amazing to witness the transformation. He has learned to walk, but with serious disability. He loves his “parents” and is very enthusiastic about life. The brain trauma has affected his ability to speak. He has learned to say a few important words like Mama and Dada. For all of these things we give thanks, but I pray that he will be able to verbally communicate. To be able to explain how he feels or what he wants.

He has learned to “sign” a few words, but if only I could give him a voice.

“I can’t! “

When I say that, I am reminded of the millions who also have no voice or whose voices are seldom heard amidst the busyness and injustices of our world.

I may not be able to give my prospective adopted grandson the gift of speech, but I can use my voice to cry out for justice for those, like him, who have no voice or whose voices are being ignored.