She shuffles up the stairs into the church building. Three children tag along at her side. She is neat and clean as are the kids. Today she’s put on a little rouge and a touch of lipstick. Her smile is hesitant yet warm.

The parable of the lost sheep is a familiar story to most. Jesus tells us in Luke 15 about a shepherd who owns a hundred sheep and one wanders away from the flock. In his great desire to rescue the wayward animal, he abandons the rest and intently pursues it, risking the safety of not only the other sheep, but himself as well. Talk about dedication!