Feeling a calling to action is often accompanied by a sense of clarity and alignment with a strong desire to dedicate your time and energy to it. Ronda Paulson says she believes God put such a calling in her heart to open Isaiah 117 House.
Ronda and husband Corey initially trained to be foster parents in 2014. It was during a particular class they were attending at the Washington County TN Department of Children’s Services (DCS) that the nudging to take a different path began emerging.
During that class, they learned how children who are removed from their homes often must come to the DCS office and wait for placement. Ronda recounts, “As I looked around the cubicle-filled space, I couldn’t imagine a scared child sitting in such a sterile, cold environment waiting to learn their fate. That is when I believe God put on my heart the Isaiah 117 House.” This was a first calling and there would be another.
Ronda’s second nudging came the following year on November 5, 2015, at 3:45 p.m. Ronda received the call that has changed the lives for hundreds of children. It was from the Carter County TN DCS office in Elizabethton, Tennessee.
Within an hour, she and Corey along with their children, Sophie and Mac, gathered up their own foster son at the back door of the DCS office.
Another recollection from Ronda, “He was dirty, in clothes that were too small, and literally had nothing in the world. This was the second time, I believe, the Lord put on my heart the Isaiah 117 House.”
Ronda says she and Corey asked themselves: “What if there was a home where children could go when they are removed? What if there was a safe place with friendly, loving volunteers? What if there was an environment with clean clothes, bath toys, snacks, comfy beds and toys? What if, instead of cubicles, the traumatized child could see smiles, books and snuggly blankets?”
Isaiah 1:17 says, “defend the cause of the fatherless.”
Listening to and honoring your calling is essential for personal fulfillment and a sense of meaning in life. It can bring a deep sense of joy, satisfaction and purpose. When you align your actions with your calling, you tap into your unique gifts and talents, allowing you to make a positive impact and create a meaningful legacy.
What did Ronda’s belief she was called do for Isaiah House?
“I saw a home with an open living space, a fully stocked kitchen, a girl’s bedroom, a boy’s bedroom, places to play and fully stocked bathrooms. I saw a team of volunteers on call to greet ‘the least of these’ when they need love most. I saw a place always ready to take in children in their time of need and lavishly love on them on one of their worst days.
“I believe these homes have the potential to positively affect the children who are coming into custody in ways far beyond what we could ever imagine, as well as support the caseworkers and future foster families who are a part of their journey. I believe these homes change the way foster care begins.”
For more information of Isaiah House and also how to volunteer: here.
All of us have a story and I want to tell yours! Send them to susan@knoxtntoday.com.
