Safe Surrender Site

          As I walked into a hospital in Folsom the other day, I noticed a sign on the door that identified the facility as a “Safe Surrender Site.”  These sites are the product of legislation aimed at helping to prevent illegal child abandonment.  “The Safely Surrendered Baby Law allows a parent or person with lawful custody to surrender a baby confidentially, without fear of arrest or prosecution for child abandonment. This law allows for at least a 14-day cooling off period, which begins the day the child is voluntarily surrendered. During this period, the person who surrendered the child can return to the hospital to reclaim the child...A distressed parent who is unable or unwilling to care for an infant can legally, confidentially and safely surrender their baby within three days of birth...As long as the child shows no signs of abuse or neglect, no name or other information is required. A bracelet will be placed on the baby for identification. A matching bracelet will be given to the parent. The bracelet will help connect the parent to the baby if the parent wants the baby back” (http://www.probation.saccounty.net/home/Content.aspx?TID=720).  This effort helps to address the fears of overwhelmed parents who are out of options.  A helpless infant can be given a chance to live instead of being abandoned to die in a dumpster somewhere.
          Surrender can be frightening.  When I saw the words “Safe Surrender Site,” I thought to myself: “That is a great description of the kingdom of God!”  We can safely surrender our lives to the One who knows us inside and out and still loves us anyway (Romans 5:6-8).  We can safely surrender our lives to the One who has a easy yoke and a light burden (Matthew 11:30).  We can safely surrender our lives to the One who will not allow us to be tempted beyond our capacity to resist (1 Corinthians 10:13).  Don’t abandon your soul to destruction!  Find refuge in God’s Kingdom -- the original “Safe Surrender Site!”

God loves you!
Mike