Davion, wearing his only suit gets a little help with his tie from his caseworker.
Photo: Melissa Lyttle/Tampa Bay Times
Teenager Davion Navar Henry Only once heard that God helps those who help themselves, so he decided to do something about what he wanted most: a family.
Davion was born while his mother was in jail. He has spent his entire childhood in countless foster homes. A few months ago, Davion found out that his birth mother had just died, and decided that he needed to let go of his anger, improve his grades, and turn his life around. That, and find a family - fast - because he's already 15 years old and will "age out" out of the foster care system in just three years.
So, Davion came up with a plan: he'd present himself as available for adoption to the congregation of St. Mark Missionary Baptist Church in Tampa, Florida. "I'll take anyone," Davion said to Tampa Bay Times, "Old or young, dad or mom, black, white, purple. I don't care. And I would be really appreciative. The best I could be."
Earlier this month, Davion and his caseworker came to Sunday's sermon. The young man fidgeted in his suit while the preacher spoke about orphans and how Jesus lifted them up, saying that an alarming number of African-American children need help finding families. Then, it was Davion's turn:
Then he introduced Davion, who shuffled to the pulpit. Without looking up, Davion wiped his palms on his pants, cleared his throat, and said:
"My name is Davion and I've been in foster care since I was born. . . . I know God hasn't given up on me. So I'm not giving up either."
Read more about Davion's story over at this article by Lane DeGregory over at Tampa Bay Times.