FYI - There is an informational meeting at DSS in Harford County on July 16. Call (410) 836-4705 to let them know you're coming. :) Classes will then begin in September.

Just a bed? Don't you need to have a room not occupied with kids?

OK, we tried to be nice. We tried to compliment you on a job well done. Now let "me" be brutally honest. We just don't want to take in strangers. I hate to be so forward but, I have my own problems and I don't have time to try and fix the world. I make donations to charities as much as I can but you can't do it all. Everyone pitches in where and when they can. I do it with donations. You do it by taking the problem on yourself. I commend you on your effort but don't whine to me about what everybody else is NOT doing.

Danial - I am specifically speaking to Christians with this post... to people who profess to live by the Word of God. For those people, the Bible is pretty clear about caring for orphans. It leaves very little wiggle room, in fact. It's not like other directives, where God says *some* are called to be teachers and *some* preachers, but *all* are called to care for orphans.

Now, certainly, some people could support orphans financially, while others care for them in their home. But the simple - brutally honest - truth is that a mere .01% of us are doing what God has commanded us to do. If just 7% did, we would EMPTY the orphanages and foster group homes around the WORLD!

You need to get down off that soap box. How dare you come on here and insinuate that us “Christians" aren't doing enough. I find your post insulting. I'm a Christian, but people like you turn me off when you try to ram your specific beliefs down other people’s throats.

If you spent as much time trying to help find foster homes for these children as you did writing this post, there probably be one or two less children in need.

Who the hell are you to say Christians aren't doing enough? You don't know me and you most certainly don't know every Christian in Harford County.

You're disgusting!

Wow Miss Holier Than Thou. You first off do not know the ins and outs of any given "christian" family. Some are working 2 and 3 jobs just to support the children they have. And in doing so they have very little time to spend with their families as it is. So in your opinion everyone needs to take on a child in need and bring them into their home regardless of their situation. Not only that, some people just can't handle kids (even their own). Does that make them a bad person? I think not, we all handle things different. What ever happened to thou shall not judge? You being this big time christian , you should know only God has the right to judge. I agree with Tom, get off your soap box lady.

I think there's a lot to what Wendy's saying. Closer inspection of yourself might reveal that you're *NOT* in fact doing everything you can as a Shepherd in Christ. And simple numbers back up Wendy's overall point. The bible also says that faith is nothing without works (or something to that effect). I know plenty of Christians that attend church, I know far fewer that dedicate time to charity. Next time, don't get your panties in such a bundle. I don't know Wendy personally, but I suspect the last thing she is suggesting is that anyone is a bad personal.

Just to make a point to all ... There was only one perfect Christian and that was Jesus.

With that being said, I don't necessarily agree with Wendy's blog written to basically make it seem as if anyone who is *not* fostering is living in sin and is not a Christian, I think everyone should calm down and look at this blog for what it basically is: A call to *anyone* who would be willing to open their hearts and homes to foster children and an attempt to open everyone's eyes to the need for foster families.

Additionally Wendy, I must add my own personal story here because I do feel as if maybe you feel the adoption/fostering process is *that* simple and open to *any* person/family who is willing... It's not. My parents tried desperately to foster/adopt a child once they were told they were infertile and could not have children. They were refused multiple times because my father had entered rehab several years prior. Despite his record of being clean & sober for multiple years, they would not let them have a child. Years later after they had given up, they were blessed with me.

Although I do not agree with allowing drug addicts to adopt a child, it is sad that something you do 10 years prior to your request to adopt made it so you could not. Unfortunately DSS closes the door on a lot of families who'd gladly adopt for various reasons. And for the record, I was raised by that "drug addict" who couldn't adopt and I think I turned out pretty darn good! LoL.

Try your brainwashing elsewhere. You're as bad, if not worse, than the Taliban trying to force their belief of Sharia Law on all Muslims, and if those people don't abide by it,, they're killed.

You're an idiot. People like you turn other Christians and possibly make them practice the religion less or not at all.

Get a life, a job or a hobby.

Wendy, I'm a born again Christian, I've raise my children and through our church have helped many orphans and still do, not only orphans but many other needs, Missionaries, the homeless, those in need of food the list goes on. We do what we can. God gave us each a gift and if yours is taking care of children thats great. I've known a lot of peple that have been forster parents they have done it well. I also have been told if it wasn't for all the red tape there would be a lot more that would be foster parents or adopt. God Bless you in your caring for children, don't forget to take care of yourself. There is a verse in the Bible I'd like to share ''be not weary in well doing" 2 Thessalonians 3:13 I like what Brown Eyes said very good comment.

Wendy - thanks for your post. I found it very informative.

You can say Jesus and Lord all you want and it still doesn't justify you looking down your judgemental nose. I guess if someone is on unemployment or disabled or simply can not afford to take on a foster child they are not worthy as a Christian. If you were trying to get more people to foster children you shouldn't throw stones at them first.

A simple plea to your "fellow Christians" would have sufficed (and possibly gotten more to help) without attacking them first; there are many more tactful ways to get your point across. I know your intent was honorable, but the delivery just wasn't. And just because alot of us don't follow your "definition of a Christian" doesn't mean we aren't. So, saying you are talking only to "Christians" really says alot about you, please examine your judgements and attacks before you make any more irresponsible comments. In my opinion, "born again Christians" are doing more harm in practicing segregation than they are helping the children. Understand your concern for your other "Christian" friends, there is a lot of truth to be told in people who talk the talk and don't walk the walk, but there is a way to get your point across without "attacking".

Wow. Look, many of these replies clearly indicate the writer is not part of the intended audience for this letter. So if you're not in the audience, why even bother to read and respond? Obviously, I didn't come up with the definition for Christian. So if you don't like it, take it up with the Author instead of me. I didn't attack you personally, and there really isn't any good reason for you to do so to me.

I will no longer be reading or responding to these ridiculous arguments. Anyone with legitimate questions can certainly pm me.

The intended audience???? wouldn't it make a whole lot of sense to not only target a "small" percentage of the population if you truly wanted to reach out and help the homeless children? Obviously your motive was to give a disgruntled attack on your fellow christians and not really to reach out for help for these poor children, now that is what I call; if your heart is really in it for the children, put out a call to everyone who does not help, not just your so called "christians". There are many interpretations to the bible, not the word, only your interpretation of it. I would like to speak out for those arrogant people who think only they are Christians because they interpreted the bible to mean that a select few are really Christians. If you are going to post something on a public forum, whether you are doing it for an intended audience or not, I am sorry but I consider myself a Christian, just because you don't does not make me any less of one.

Sorry I meant speak out TO those arrogant people who have the audacity to think that others are not Christians because they don't believe what you believe in your interpretation of the Bible.

Freedom of speech, Mrs. Willard. You chose to allow your blog to be published in a publicly distributed media. If you truly wanted your words to be heard to a smaller audience more in line with your judgmental views, you would have simply submitted it to your church newsletter.

I don't feel a single poster has attacked *you.*. What has been attacked is the narrow minded definition of Christian you eschew. You're picking and choosing what verses in the Bible you wish to take literally; if you read the Bible closely, you'll also see that the Father would prefer you not get a tattoo (Levitcus 19:28) nor should you as a female wear pants (Deuteronomy 22:5). Granted, you can make the argument that these were Old Testament laws, but I assume you've also read Revelation 21:27, which says no one who practices abomination will enter the Kingdom of God (and, I'm pretty sure these are considered abominations in the Father's eyes if you take the Bible literally as it appears you do.

My point is - you posted to your fellow Christians, but the reality is, your definition of Christian is pretty narrow and, in my opinion, judgmental. There are MANY ways to help fosters in this community, and the means used to help doesn't make anyone less of a Christian.

Thank you, you said it all,, ; I just hope Ms. Willard doesn't just throw stones in a public forum and then doesn't have to courage to defend her irresponsible comments in a public forum; you don't attack people and then say "I am not going to read any more of your comments, you weren't my intended audience, well everyone who considers themselves a Christian although not in Ms. Willard's eyes should be insulted that just because some do not follow her literal interpretation of the Bible they are not Christians therefore they are not her "intended audience". Now she refuses to read others comments because we aren't "Christians" Please!
I usually do not respond to these types of people who jam their beliefs down our throats because it is a waste of time, and I choose to spend my time on animal rights and helping homeless, defenseless animals in the community, whom I think everyone, Christian or not, has a duty to defend and help, but I would never attack someone in a public forum for not doing "their part" and then refuse to hear the responses because they aren't a part of "My Group of Animal Rights Activists" therefore they are not legitimate. Everyone does what they are called to do, and can do, and that is their path to follow and we should not stand in judgement from anyone, our Judgement comes from only One.

Personally, I took Wendy Willard's words as self convicting, rather than offensive, and I think that was as intended. To those that didn't, there is always the option of mustering up the grace to turn the other cheek. She didn't mince words, but she's in good company.
http://swinder16.blogspot.com/2005/07/offensive-gospel.html

I'm speechless! Not because of this post. This post was well written and for those who believe the way she does, it should be an eye opener, or at the very least get them thinking. However, I'm speechless about the way that we treat each other. If you people, who had nothing but hate spewing from your mouths, felt bad because of what was written, I can pretty much say it wasn't written to you. You don't share the same beliefs and obvious your "religion" is NOT what Christ was talking about in the Bible. You want to pick on a person who is clearly doing more for your community than you are doing. ( I deduced this from your "well-written-hate-filled" responses. Here's a charge to you all. Grow up! Get to doing something. Become an active member in society and quit crying about how you "can't" do something. You wanted it to be a charge to more than a "small" group of people so here it is. YOU GET OFF YOUR HIGH HORSES AND MAKE A DIFFERENCE! Perhaps, start by treating people with respect and being "Tolerant" of your fellow human. There's a word that's thrown out at Christians all the time and now it's good to be throwing it back.
By the way, I was not coaxed into writing this response. Yes I do know Wendy personally and consider her a friend. I'm more frustrated that we can't have a discussion with names being called. Real original.

I only have one thing left to say to all of you - Get a life. I made the mistake of speaking my mind because I had an opinion as did the author but the judgemental tone and hatred is so prevalent in this community that I will now get back to "making a difference to those less fortunate as me" as I do every day of my life and you will never hear from me again. I have way more important things to do with my life. I am convinced that those who claim to be Christians need to really examine their motives for spewing hatred themselves as they respond to others. All I can say is get a life people. How pathetic.

I have been thinking all day of how to respond to these comments.
Now I don't have to because Chris said everything I am feeling.
Thanks!!!

weny muy wief n i r buzy tryin to putt 2gethr a buznes froem our hoem. if ur innerestid i ken help u owt. ide reely liek 2 bruing a kit innor hoem n teech hym all abot lief n help wit hoemwerk n teh kit ken help wit r buznes. theanks 4 teh poest

dose any1 liev neer teh mcandalds inn frost hill?

People, can we please be adults here? And might I suggest that if Wendy has offended you in some way, the Holy Spirit might be poking at your conscience just a little?

As someone who raised someone else's child---a child coming from a home of addiction and profound dysfunction---I understand how frustrating it is to know that there are so many potentially "lost" children who don't have safe harbor for their development. But, at least to my mind, a "call to action" in the form of shaming helps no one, particularly if it could elicit indignation (as evidenced by some of the posts). Zeroing in on shaming Christians puts one at risk for insulting people's personal relationship with their faith, also potentially a bad idea. Whether its "Christian" values or (from this atheist's standpoint) a desire to connect with humanity in a meaningful way, we must understand that we all reserve the right to explore for ourselves how we can make a difference. Offering your experience as a foster-parent without shaming could do more to advance your cause. If Sally Struthers conveyed a similar message for the Christian Children's Fund, I'm not sure CCF would've been able to pay the bill for their toll-free number. I don't say this jokingly. No matter how angry any of us may become about "social injustice," the most powerful messages often come from a place where we trust in others' intelligence and then take it from there.

The Christian-bashing was the only good part of this blog.

Smh at most of these comments.

Check out the followup post from Wendy here: http://patch.com/B-TRm

"Unfortunately, I was also blasted by a few people here. Such hateful responses indicate those readers weren't even part of the intended audience, and I'm sorry that type of negativity distracted from the key point."

Everyone is the intended audience when you post on a public forum.

"Seriously, my post was not intended to make anyone feel condemned"

Really!? It sure didn't come off that way.

I love that you give no oppertunity in your new post for people to respond, you narrow minded dimwit.

Christians donate more money, donate more time and care for their own communities in far greater numbers than any other demographic...why doesn't this lady blog a call to arms towards liberals...those squishy, pin headed, self-righteous finger pointers that demand justice and giving and are also far less likely to do squat for anyone else.

Why aren't we allowed to comment on your follow-up to this article?

charmany chrissmass evrybody, caint we jus git all long?

I think to sum up most of the comments on here it would be as the old saying goes, you get more bees with honey than you do with vinegar. And I think the second "follow up " blog was just a feeble attemt to turn her vinegar into honey. Leaving no way to respond it , well that really was no surprise. Let me end by saying that the last time I checked THIS was an open forum for everyone not just Christians. If you do not want the backlash then maybe save such postings for a Christian Only web site. Even at that i still think many would find the delivery a bitter pill to swallow.

Patch is not a place for name calling. We have a variety of bloggers from religious, to finance and real estate, to nature, to health. Patch is a platform for sharing with the community. Discussion and debate is great, but let's remember to keep it civil, folks. -KD

I think you said it right, Kirsten, it is a platform for sharing with the community, not condemning them, and should be to the "community" in general, not just to a segment of the community. Would it be ok if I sent out a note the fellow black citizens of the community on this forum; I don't think so.

how much money do you get per month for each kid

You cannot put foster kids in bunk beds, and they cannot share a *bed* with another child, but they can share a room. http://www.onlinedatastoragesite.com/softwares/use-free-online-storage-options-to-keep-your-data-safe.html

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