Bear Hugs & Hope Story

I am B.E.A.R. on the Move: Bringing Hope to Little Hearts, Fueling Second Chances

Prefer to Listen? Hear This as a "Growth Journey" Podcast on YouTube & Spotify! (Followed by: "Click play above for YouTube, or find 'Growth Journey'/click here for Spotify.")

God's Blessing and Reward:

The Bible portrays children as a heritage from the Lord and a reward from Him. Psalm 127:3-5 emphasizes this, comparing them to arrows in the hand of a warrior.

Psalm 127:3-5

Lo, children are an heritage of the LORD: and the fruit of the womb is his reward.	Deu 28:4, Gen 33:5, Gen 1:28, Jos 24:3-4
4 As arrows are in the hand of a mighty man; so are children of the youth.	Jer 50:9, Pro 31:28, Pro 17:6, Psa 120:4
5 Happy is the man that hath his quiver full of them: they shall not be ashamed, but they shall speak with the enemies in the gate.

We've been truly humbled by the incredible wave of support – the comments, likes, views, and shares – for our mission. Our community clearly believes in second chances and the power of compassion. Now, we're thrilled to advance our project, focusing on the innocent hearts caught in the ripple effects of incarceration: the children. These resilient young ones, through no fault of their own, often navigate a world of confusion and emotional distress. Our aim is simple yet profound: to bring a moment of joy and a tangible symbol of comfort to every child we encounter by gifting them a cuddly teddy bear. #Comfort #Support

Growth Journey Podcast: Your guide to continuous improvement. Follow & Listen Now! Click Here

At the heart of our expanded initiative is the belief that every child deserves to feel loved and secure. The children of incarcerated parents often carry silent burdens. A teddy bear is more than just a toy; it’s a warm embrace in times of loneliness, a soft companion offering emotional support, and a steadfast friend that whispers safety and love. It’s a small gesture with a mighty impact, designed to spread warmth and happiness during challenging times.

To deepen this impact, we've developed the I am B.E.A.R. program, which is specifically designed to affirm each child's worth and potential.

The acronym B.E.A.R. stands for:

I am-

Blessed (Ephesians 1:3)

Equipped (Ephesians 2:10)

Accepted (Romans 15:7)

Redeemed (Ephesians 1:7)

Our special B.E.A.R. is more than just plush; it's a source of inspiration. This delightful bear, whose head gently moves, is designed to encourage children in their evening prayers. With the press of a button, it recites three comforting prayers and plays the soothing melody of "Jesus Loves Me." Made from soft, cuddly polyester, each bear can be personalized with a child's name (up to nine characters), making it a truly unique and cherished gift.

The inspiration for this initiative came from a profoundly moving experience. Recently, a caregiver reached out to us, her voice heavy with concern for a little boy struggling with profound sadness and depression. His mom is currently in county jail awaiting trial, and his father is serving time in federal prison.

During our call, I could hear the raw pain in the background – the little boy's cries, his desperate pleas of, “I want my mom, I want my mom.” It was a heartbreaking reminder of the harsh realities these children face. We briefed the call to allow the caregiver to comfort him, promising to send resources and ideas for free activities that might offer solace. We ended our conversation with a heartfelt prayer for the boy and his family.

After I hung up, my daughter, who had overheard the little boy's cries because my phone volume was up, innocently asked why he was so upset. I gently explained that his mom had made a mistake and was now in jail. Her simple response was, “Oh.” A few moments later, a spark of pure childhood empathy lit her face. “Dad,” she said, “let’s send him a Teddy Bear. Everyone loves a Teddy Bear, and that could make him happy.”

Her sweet, insightful idea resonated deeply with me. We sent that little boy a teddy bear. Then it struck me—why not extend this gesture of love and support to every child we work with? This is where you come in. We can wrap these children in a collective embrace of hope and reassurance together. By supporting incarcerated parents on their journey towards a second chance, we also uplift their children, reminding them they are not forgotten.

You can be a beacon of hope.

• Donate: Your generous contribution will directly fund these special B.E.A.R. teddy bears, bringing comfort and a message of love to children navigating challenging circumstances. Please visit our website at www.cajailoutreach.org and click the donation button in the top right corner.

• Volunteer: Your time and talents can make a significant difference in the lives of these families. Explore volunteer opportunities on our website.

  
  

Every child deserves to feel cherished, and every parent striving for a better future deserves support. Join us in offering both. Let's show these children and their parents that they are seen, valued, and not alone. Together, we can make a difference, one bear, one prayer, one act of kindness at a time.