I am ignorant about a lot of things.
Please don’t read that wrong. To me, “ignorant” means that I lack knowledge or information about particular subjects.
I still find television somewhat mystical. When I was little, I thought that if we cut the cable that ran from the antenna to the TV, we would see a little tiny version of the television picture in the cut end coming from the antenna. Although I am pretty sure that is not how it works, I am truly ignorant about how it does work. I just count on it to be there.
The late George Carlin had a bit he did about how we open the hoods of our cars when they aren’t working. He claimed that what we were looking for was a big ON/OFF switch that had been switched to OFF. Most of us have no idea what to look for under the hoods of our cars, especially now with the computer components. Even as a legitimate farm kid, I am largely ignorant about the mechanics in there. I just count on it to run.
I was listening to a pastor several weeks ago, and one of his statements caught me off guard. He said, “Ignorance does not eliminate need.” Although I am ignorant about the workings of television and my car, I count on them both. (Hesitant to say I “need” them both, but pretty close.)
When I talk to people about the children at Dakota Boys and Girls Ranch, the extent of the abuse and neglect they experienced, their psychiatric issues, the pain and trauma they endured, or their suicidality, they frequently respond, “I had no idea…”
“I had no idea those things were happening.”
“I had no idea kids could be suicidal.”
“I had no idea there was such cruelty.”
“I had no idea that there are so many kids hurting.”
I don’t fix cars for a living, so I am ignorant about how to do it. That’s okay. As long as I know there are experts for my car that I can count on.
Most people do not work with traumatized, psychiatrically challenged children, so they are ignorant of the issues. But, when the need arises, Dakota Boys and Girls Ranch has experts and faith and love that these children and their families can count on.
Your prayers and support help us meet that need. Thank you for being the friends our kids can count on.
Please keep the children and staff of Dakota Boys and Girls Ranch in your prayers.
In His love,
Joy Ryan, President/CEO
Dakota Boys and Girls Ranch
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