Is Anybody There...Is Anybody There?

Once there was a little girl named Julianna. Her father and mother were young and never married. They, from the beginning, did not seem to possess the needed parental instincts. Their baby was passed from home to home, and from one aunt to another depending on who could take care of her at the time. One day Julianna asked her aunt if she would take her to church. That was the first time our eyes fell upon the delightsome child - she entered the building and twirled down the isle. We all smiled at her Shirley Temple like appearance; the glowing smile and the golden curly locks of hair.

Her aunt's name was Teresa, probably in her early twenties, and even she was beaming at the apparent happiness brought to the little girl by being in church. (Julianna's mother was living in Ohio now, and of her brother, Teresa wasn't quite sure what to say. He was not present in the girl's life or able to help in any way. Teresa was living on her own with a boyfriend and had recently taken in her niece; the little girl who had been passed from house to house since the day she was born.)

None of us will ever forget the words of the young temporary caregiver. She said Julianna wakes up at night and calls out, "Is anybody there? Is anybody there?"

They visited a few times and before you know it, they were gone.

Some people we meet, we will never forget. Whether it be their stories, a few words; or a life that touches us deeply and leaves a lasting impression. We'll never forget Julianna. I think about her every now and then. I bet she is about 19 years old now. I hope she finished high school and looking forward to a bright future. I hope she has a home wherein she feels safe and secure. But most of all, I hope when in those night hours many years ago when she cried out, "Is anybody there? Is anybody there?" God comforted her.

(Psalm 68 "A father to the fatherless...is God in his holy habitation.")