You are now entering the summer of 1899. Tensions and temperatures are high. The children of New York roam the streets doing their every day jobs: shining shoes, laboring in sweatshops, delivering messages, and of course, selling newspapers. It is normal at this time to have a job by age ten; however, it is reported that children as young as five years old join the workforce as well. These kids carry the weight of labor for the city doing all kinds of unwanted jobs. And getting paid in pennies means that one has to choose between food and housing most nights. Naturally, this struggle brings endless stress, but it also brings fellowship to fruition. Being forced into community can make people agitated, or it can make them stronger.

The Bible speaks about this in no small way. When we consider brotherhood, really living alongside one another, we see that we should “rejoice with those who rejoice and weep with those who weep,” (Romans 12:15) and love our neighbor as ourselves (Matthew 22:39). We also know that we are to care for those who are oppressed: widows and orphans (James 1:27). Jesus tells us that we are to have childlike faith, and what is this story if not a true depiction of children just having faith that justice will be served? These children were made for such a time as this. There is a beautiful reflection of the Gospel in this story and I pray that your spirits will be lifted as you see justice served as the underdogs find something to believe in.