The Orphan Age — A Crisis of Connection
Chief Executive Orphan
November 9, 2025
Scripture: “God sets the lonely in families.” — Psalm 68:6 We live in an age of unprecedented connection—and unbearable disconnection.
Scripture: “God sets the lonely in families.” — Psalm 68:6 We live in an age of unprecedented connection—and unbearable disconnection.
When I was a kid, silence was always welcome but rarely lasted long, and it was almost always interrupted by
The government kept track of us on paper. Case files, intake forms, placement reports — a trail of our childhoods
An empty chair invites belonging. I used to be the one who filled the empty chair. At the Balls’ house
When you grow up in foster care, you learn the language of doors. Front doors that open with casseroles and
Morning has always been a cautious mercy to me. The light comes slowly, like it’s checking first to see if
Which is better, being kind or being right? We can’t always maximize both virtues at the same time; it’s how
Those mistakes don’t work for our good unless, and until, we acknowledge them as failures on our part.
I believe in a more grace-filled approach when working with children, and adults for that matter. Consider the contrast between
I have a confession to make. When we first started foster care, I thought it would be as easy as
Scripture: “God sets the lonely in families.” — Psalm 68:6 We live in an age of unprecedented connection—and unbearable disconnection.
When I was a kid, silence was always welcome but rarely lasted long, and it was almost always interrupted by
The government kept track of us on paper. Case files, intake forms, placement reports — a trail of our childhoods
An empty chair invites belonging. I used to be the one who filled the empty chair. At the Balls’ house
When you grow up in foster care, you learn the language of doors. Front doors that open with casseroles and
Morning has always been a cautious mercy to me. The light comes slowly, like it’s checking first to see if
Which is better, being kind or being right? We can’t always maximize both virtues at the same time; it’s how
Those mistakes don’t work for our good unless, and until, we acknowledge them as failures on our part.
I believe in a more grace-filled approach when working with children, and adults for that matter. Consider the contrast between
I have a confession to make. When we first started foster care, I thought it would be as easy as
