Damn Shame

Many years ago, when I was in training for my first official social work position, our trainer introduced us to the most hopeless of social work concepts.  She looked at us with a somber expression and said, "Young social workers, it is time I introduced you to the saddest part of your job.  The most tragic families you will ever meet are the "Damn-Shames."

"You will meet this family over and over.  Mom's drinking and ends up losing her kids? 
That is a damn shame.

Dad got deported? Left behind a wife and three kids who are now losing their home? 
That is a damn shame.

10 year old neglected by his family?  Smelly, bullied, hungry, failing?
That is a damn shame.

They are all just a damn-shame.  But there is nothing you can do about any of them.  No one expects you young social workers to solve every problem and heal every hurt.  Do what you can and then go home at the end of the day and enjoy your family. Put it out of your head and move on with your job."

Jesus had things to say about the damn shame cases too. 

"For the Son of Man has come to save that which was lost. 12"What do you think? If any man has a hundred sheep, and one of them has gone astray, does he not leave the ninety-nine on the mountains and go and search for the one that is straying? 13"If it turns out that he finds it, truly I say to you, he rejoices over it more than over the ninety-nine which have not gone astray.…

If God brings a lost soul into my life, it is not a damn shame.  But may my shame be forgiven  if I ignore God's command on my life.