Searching for a family

A story I read recently about a young man named Davion Only Going has stayed with me. Davion was on his own from the beginning. He was born in a Florida jail to a mother who had been in and out of prison and died before he could meet her. 

By the time he was 13, he’d bounced from one foster home to another. At 15, Davion was brave enough to stand up in a church and ask if someone would adopt him. I pictured my own son at that age, and the thought of him having to make a public plea for a family broke my heart.

Davion’s story went viral, and an adoption followed, but unfortunately, it didn’t work out. That disappointment could have shut him down for good. But instead, Davion turned back to the one person who had never given up on him, his longtime caseworker, Connie Going. Connie’s own life had changed, and made it possible for her to adopt him. 

With her love and encouragement, Davion began to heal. He went back to school and found his footing. Today, he’s in his twenties, and his career as a private chef is thriving. And now, his journey is being turned into a documentary; not just because it’s a compelling story, but because it’s a testimony to hope and love.

When I think about Davion, I see his strength, and I see how the power of just one person’s love can change the course of a life. His story reminds me that it’s never too late to show up, to give love, and make someone feel like they belong. 

You can read more of Davion’s story here.