If all children are of infinite worth, why are there so many suffering? What is my role in all of this? What is my reason for being here?
As I held two month Emmanuel in my arms, his closeness pierced through my heart. This beautifully dark skinned baby, whose smooth features were pure and defined, lay staring back at me with those innocent eyes of a newborn. "Why are you here little one?"..."Why did your mother have to die at childbirth from AIDS?"..."What is your future?"..."Who will take care of you?"...As these thoughts of dread came into my mind, my eyes brimmed with tears of sorrow for all twenty eight of these infants and toddlers around me. "Why must all you know is suffering?"..." Oh, Emmanuel. Sweet, sweet Emmanuel."
Emmanuel continued to look up at me as if he had some message to relay. "Emmanuel"..."Emmanuel"...his name replayed over and over in my mind..."Emmanuel!!!"...that name means something..."God with us". As that thought entered, it was followed by an incredible and undeniable feeling of peace and calmness. That was the message that he was trying to tell me, "God is with us! He knows us individually and He is here!" In deep humility and a healed heart, I wondered who am I to question God's love for ALL of His children.
