Finding Joy in Serving Children

I met Emily Rimshaw earlier this year when I was speaking at a conference at her church. She told me how refreshed and motivated she was after hearing the message on the importance of mothers. Then she told me why. Her story of sacrificial investment as a 21-year-old caring for someone else's children really struck me. So I asked her to send her testimony to me so I could share it with you all. My point in doing so is to help us all think outside of our expectations and cultural norms in order to offer creative and compassionate James 1:27-inspired solutions when such needs arise. 

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Almost three years ago, a dear friend of mine passed away in a fatal car accident. She was married and had two little boys, and the months after her death led to an increased desire in my heart to care for her kiddos. I completed my spring semester of my freshman year of college, and sought counsel about it and prayed a ton, which led to an increased burden for the children. God was opening doors and guiding me, and I excitedly decided to take a break from college to take care of Mason (4) and Evan (2) full time. Since then, I've been very involved in their lives, watching them 40+ hours a week and homeschooling them.

Directors and professors from my college asked me why I'd throw away my education and waste my life to care for children.  I told them I could come back to school anytime, but more importantly that I did NOT see it as a waste at all. God values life and He loves children, and that, I told them, is what motivated me. I was shocked that people were asking me these questions; I thought everyone had a high view of care for children. But these interactions, which happened more frequently than even I like to acknowledge, made me eager to see God prove Himself to me in this new season, and left me with a passion to somehow reveal the lies of our culture that say the training of and investment in children is unimportant and demeaning. Because I didn’t believe that, and two years later, I still don’t.

The past few years have drawn me closer to God, increased my affections for the gospel, and made me desperate for His Word as I learn to care for children on a daily basis. One morning recently, Mason asked me, "Why do I have to obey?" I knew his little heart was longing for big truths about God. So I pulled him onto my lap and read him Ephesians 6:1, "Children obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. Honor your father and mother; this is the first commandment with a promise, that it might go well with you and that you may live long in the land." I had so much fun explaining to him (again) that God wants him to obey and come under my authority as I care for him, because that's how God made it to be.

"That's how you'll be happy," I told Mason. "God wants you to be happy in Him and happy with His plan, because He knows best and you can't find happiness anywhere else." His eyes shown with a brightness that revealed motivation and new desires to obey, and I knew in that moment that he had just gotten a bigger, better view of God.

I love being at home with these sweet boys, caring for them, spending our precious days together filling their minds with truths about the gospel. I love laughing with them, making cookies with them, correcting them, and memorizing verses with them. I love teaching them school and chores, reading them Bible stories, and answering their questions about heaven and their mommy. (I even love to make scrambled eggs with them, even though it means cleaning egg yolk that somehow ends up ALL OVER the kitchen.) I love excursions to the park, and playing cowboys and guns in the backyard. I am radically happy, and I believe with all my heart that God has instilled in me a love to be radically feminine in my care for these boys. And a love for strength. And courage. And creativity. And productivity. And fulfillment. And here's the thing: All of those things I find right here, sitting on this chair with these precious boys, thanking God for children, and the joy He brings us through them. This has been the richest season of my life so far. I know that in and of themselves, no money, education, job in the workforce, or 'social standing' can bring me any more joy than God has let me find here. Since God has reconciled me to Himself through Jesus Christ, He is my satisfaction. And He has given me His joy in these children. 

My little friends are 4 and almost 7 now, and I’m so thankful for them.

Comments

[Nicole]

WOW!!! That is soo encouraging and refreshing, sadly, in todays culture we just dont hear this enough! Everyone is sad, and searching for more when the answer(JESUS and HIS GRACE) is right in front of them!!!
Thanks for Posting

[Jennifer Newby]

Thank you Carolyn for posting this story! This girl is truely full of joy in the Lord, as I've been so blessed to interact with her at our church. The boys she has cared for, are truely filled with joy as well, it has been such a blessing to witness. And encouraging to see God's provision to this family after their mother's death, also a friend of mine. God is so glorified through this story!

[Nicole]

Thank you for sharing this! The boys' mother was my best friend. It makes my heart so happy to not only read Emily's words that reveal so much love and care for the boys, but it's refreshing to also hear her story about all that she's given up to serve this family--and how God has blessed her with joy as she's followed His calling. I didn't know about all that (I no longer live nearby).

I'm so grateful for Emily...

[Heather]

Wow! What an amazing testimony! God is so good, what a blessing He has granted these dear children!

[Stephen King]

awesome.

[Kaylee]

The love I have for Emily and her selfless character in taking a friends children and raising them just astounds me. I can't stop crying because I know the love in her heart for these kids is something that I want very much!

My mom was killed in a car accident when I was 4 and I know that my dad loves me very much, but he can never be my mom. If he were to remarry, that woman would never be my mom but hopefully, she would have the same love that Emily has.

This has been my prayer for the last couple years!

[PioneerBeauty]

I came across your blog in a google search. I must say the Lord has brought to you awe inspiring stories to share and edify those who would have never known other wise. That is deffinately "One" for the blessings of technology. May He continue to use you to share His victorious stories.
In Christ Jesus,
PioneerBeauty
Angelina

[Liz]

My only question is where are the childrens' father? Emily says she homeschools and cares for them 40+ hours/week, does that not undermine the role of the childrens' father? Or did I miss something?

[Carolyn McCulley]

Emily has been functioning like a nanny while the father continues to work. Hope that's helpful to know!

[Mary Jo May]

To Liz,
Their father is the best dad I have ever come in contact with. He is amazing with them, and I am so grateful Emily had such an obedience to God to help with Mason and Evan.