BRIGHT SKY SPOTLIGHT: THE WHITE FAMILY
JUMPING IN: HOW LIFE’S MESSIEST SITUATIONS CAN RETURN THE BIGGEST BLESSINGS
It started with a heart to serve and a willingness to jump into life’s messiest situations. As Cierra White drove around town at 4 am searching for diapers and formula for a new mother with major medical issues and a host of other personal predicaments, she knew something was about to change in her life. How, exactly, was still unknown.
“I felt I was being called to something,” Cierra reflects as she recounted the impactful moment in her life that changed the course of her family forever.
The woman whom she had helped had been homeless, addicted to drugs/alcohol and had no place to go. She had found help through Grace Home, which houses women for up to 18 months and enables them to maintain sobriety, learn life skills, gain employment and even enroll in school.
“How thankful she was that she now had a family, a home and a support system that has allowed her to stay intact with her second child. She wouldn’t have had a home to take him to if it wasn’t for them,” Cierra said.
This was when the White family knew fostering children was going to be the next step they took.
“With the last-minute call for help, our family’s flexibility, fluid movement through crisis and our heart for loving others we knew we were being called to step into messy situations and help lift others eyes to hope, grace and beauty that can come from ashes,” Cierra said.
“She showed me that encouragement, love, and building confidence are just as important as building a resume, obtaining a degree, or gaining employment.”
The White family aims to help moms and dads remain intact with their children by supporting them in all aspects of life.
“She [the woman from Grace Home] showed me that encouragement, love and building confidence is just as important as building a resume, obtaining a degree or gaining employment. We knew in that moment we wanted to be that support for so many,” Cierra said.
With two children of their own, aged 12 and 4, the ever-adventurous family immediately got a call for a 6-year-old girl who happened to have a three-day old brother. Unable to say no, they gladly welcomed the siblings into their home. Currently, they are fostering 4 children.
“Watching these kiddos experience new things and observe them loving on others the way we love them is by far the most rewarding,” Cierra said.
To anyone wanting to get involved Cierra suggested an open mind, flexibility and having a decent sense of humor. “There is no right time,” she said. “Something is always going on, just say yes and take those little bundles of joy with you.” She advised to go into it knowing it would be hard and to expect the unexpected. “Foster care is by far the hardest thing we have ever done but also the most rewarding,” she said.
Thanks to organizations like Bright Sky, Cierra and her family have been able to get last-minute needs met to help fill in the unknown gaps.
“Bright sky has helped tremendously. They have provided car seats, diapers and gift cards for clothing. All of which has arrived within 24-48 hours,” Cierra said. “What a tremendous blessing you have been.”
Want to help sponsor a family like the Whites? Click here to support Bright Sky Ministry: Foster Care Essentials.