A Costly Firendship

I recently heard a story from the past of a man and his wife befriending a child of a different race when it was frowned upon by their community. As a result, their own family followed the prevailing prejudice and censured them severely. It was painful. They were rejected, but they continued to do what was right—treat your neighbor as yourself. Through the years, the child became like one of their own children, and they continued to support him as he made decisions that would affected his life as an adult. Years later, I happen to be at their home when their “adopted” son, now a grown man, came by to wish one of them a Happy Birthday. He was forever in debt to them for offering him their acceptance and love when there was no one else who would. It changed the direction of his life forever. And yes, finally their own family, ask forgiveness for not giving their approval years earlier. It was a wonderful confirmation that they had done the right thing, but a painful lesson in the cost involved. How we need those with the courage to do so today.