Father Tony comes by every other week – after dinner.

He walks into the main lounge and announces: “Hey, I’m Tony. If you’d like to speak with me, I’ll be in the chapel.”

Sometimes, no one comes. Other nights, they are lined up.

They come to talk, to pray, and to seek answers… some simple, others not so.

The number one question they ask Tony is: “How do I forgive my parents?”

Despite growing up in homes filled with abuse, violence, and trauma, our kids desperately want to know “how to forgive their parents.”

Their questions – and their hopes – seem so simple. Of course, we know they are anything but.

I had breakfast this morning with some of our residents. I asked them: “Are you worried about catching the Coronavirus?”

“Not scared for myself. Mama has an enlarged heart.”

“Not worried about dying, just getting sick.”

“No, not really. Lots more to worry about living on the street.”

“My mama has cancer and my daddy has diabetes. I pray for them.”

 “My grandma raised me. She’s diabetic and has problems with her kidneys.”

Our young people are absolutely amazing.

In the midst of the pandemic, they are able to find the space in their hearts to worry about the life and safety of those who have more than let them down… those who should have loved them unconditionally.

In this holiest of weeks, I pray that – despite their brokenness – they will be blessed with the grace and the courage to forgive their parents.

What a gift it would be. What an EASTER!

Please continue to pray for our (186) young people – and be assured of our prayers for you and your families.

Peace,

Jim