Have You Ever Slept Next To A Lion?

Hello Friends, 

It is currently January 22, 2026, 12:06 am, and I am listening to the snores of a roaring lion snuggled comfortably under my down comforter as if he paid for it. My 12-year-old, Christian, seems to think that my bed is fit for a king, and he has recently insisted on falling asleep in the master bedroom rather than his nicely decorated dream chamber. I can’t say I mind, though. He is always a comfort when I’m not feeling my best. If you’ve been following me for a while, you know that I always find comfort in coming to you, nice people, with my pen and pad, regurgitating my feelings on what was once tree bark. So, let’s get into it.

About three months ago, I began working for a wonderful foster care organization that is dedicated to providing safe, nurturing homes for children who cannot remain with their biological families, while working toward stability, healing, and permanent family connections. Sometimes that looks like reunification with the biological families or adoption. I can say without a doubt, this is the first job that I have ever had where I truly love what I do. Every day is different; sometimes funny, sometimes stressful, sometimes heart-warming, and sometimes just plain crazy. I get to bring my love for people into my job, and I’m actually encouraged to do so. Yet, one thing that comes with the job that I am still getting used to is creating a bond with these families and kids, becoming truly invested in the desire to see them succeed. 

So you’re probably asking yourself, what has me up in the middle of the night besides listening to my cuddle bug imitate a freight train with his snoring? Well bare with me. Ya’ll know it usually takes me a minute to get to the point. 

Today, I encountered one of the parents that I work with who currently has a child in our care. Their child came into state custody due to the parents’ struggle with alcoholism. As a foster care case manager, we are required to do “pop-up” visits to the homes, which on this day, I did. When I arrived, this particular parent was so intoxicated that they didn’t recognize me at first. Once they did recognize me, they greeted me with a warm smile, cigarette in hand, and smelling like a 24-hour distillery. I’ve visited this parent many times before, but this was the first time I’ve seen their addiction in full force. I barely recognized them myself as I approached the porch where they were sitting. Their hair was mangled and matted, they wore dirty clothes, and could barely sit upright. 

As I attempted to conduct my visit, ask all of the appropriate questions, and do my due diligence as a case manager, my heart couldn’t help but ache for them. To see a human being, a person, a sister/brother, a child, a loved one, in this condition felt almost inhumane. I thought to myself, no one deserves to live this way. No one deserves to be so hurt and broken that this is their escape. I assisted this parent the best way I could during the visit, but ultimately, I felt helpless. Unfortunately, sobriety comes to those who seek it, and right now, this parent does not want it right now. 

Hours later, as I lay my head down to sleep, I began my nightly prayers. I prayed for the usual: for my family, my career, my finances, my friends, and everyone else who needs the Lord’s hands wrapped around them. However, after a while, I found myself praying extra hard for this parent. “Father, please intervene for (parent’s name). They need you more than ever right now. Father, I beg you to command the spirit of addiction to leave (parent’s name) so they can live for You, themselves, and their child. I use the power that Christ has given me to demand satan to leave (parent’s name) alone and their home. Give (parents’ name) the strength to submit to You and all Your ways, Heavenly Father, so once they are healed, they can give You all the praise.” 

Once I was done praying for them, I no longer felt helpless. I suddenly realized that prayer is what I can do for this parent. Let’s get one thing straight: prayer is powerful. Let me say it again for the people in the back: PRAYER IS POWERFUL! Prayer will heal, prayer will restore, prayer will make the enemy fall to his knees and tremble before God and all His glory. In this moment, I am not only this parent’s case manager, but I am a fellow Christ-follower sent to intercede for them while they are unable to intercede for themselves. “And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests…always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.” -Ephesians 6:18 NIV

In this moment, I have come to realize that it is my responsibility to allow the Holy Spirit to use me, along with my training, to serve the families that I work with, hopefully, so they not only see Christ in me, but can be confident that they are getting all I have to offer, professionally and spiritually. 

Thank you, Jesus, for deeming me worthy to be used by You. I pray for continued humility and patience as I work with my families and that they will see Your light through me. 

Thank you, my friends, for reading my words. I pray that you feel the love of Christ every minute of every day, His grace, and His unfailing mercy. Now, I leave you with this: