Those who have lived in Jacksonville for more than 20 years know about the story of Kamiyah Mobley, a newborn taken from a local hospital. For 18 years, there were reminders of her kidnapping, but no solution. Until this week.
Thankfully she is alive and healthy. She was discovered in North Carolina living under a name the kidnapper gave her as a baby. I’m sure some of you have heard the story. You’ve probably gripped your children a bit closer thinking about it.
I pray the kidnapper takes responsibility for what she did and doesn’t make Kamiyah go through any more than she already has. I pray this non-birth mother turns to God and allows Him to heal whatever issues she might have in her life that would cause her to steal and keep another woman’s child as her own.
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People have to forgive. We don’t have to like them, we don’t have to be friends with them, we don’t have to send them hearts in text messages, but we have to forgive them, to overlook, to forget. Because if we don’t we are tying rocks to our feet, too much for our wings to carry! – C. Joybell C., author
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Kamiyah will be given lots of advice as time goes on. But the best advice any can give her is to forgive. Forgive her non-birth mother for taking her from the hospital to satisfy her own needs and not of those of the child. Forgive anyone else involved who might have helped perpetuate this lie. Forgive the hospital for allowing the kidnapping to occur in the first place. In Matthew 18:22, when asked how many times must a man forgive someone who has done him wrong, Jesus answered, “I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.”
I know it’s easy to say to forgive from where I’m sitting, but by holding onto hate, you only hurt yourself.
Forgiveness doesn’t mean you’re saying what the person did was okay. What you’re saying is “I plan to move forward and in order to do so, I have to let go of my anger.”
None of us can fathom what this girl is going through, not to mention the family of this non-birth mother. All have been lied to, and now have discovered that what they believed was never true. Having cameras in your face while you’re dealing with such a harsh reality will only make it harder. Forgiveness is the only way, in time, they can all heal completely.
If you or someone you know is in need of prayer this week, please leave a comment. We’d be more than happy to pray for you. And if this post moved you in some way, please feel free to share it.
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While the non-birth mother certainly broke the law, was this young woman’s life made better? Look at the biological parents and the family situation, 15 year old pregnant girl and no marriage to the father. Father with criminal background. This young woman graduated high school and was getting ready to go to college. Everyone where she lived thinks the world of her. It was not right that she was deprived of her biological family, but God works in mysterious ways and calls the sometimes broken people to do a good work. Now that she is grown, she does not have to be influenced by a dysfunctional family situation and a young girl too young to begin to be a mother. My question is what doe God have in store for this young woman?
Praying for all of those involved, that healing will be complete and this young woman will continue on the road God has planned for her.
You made some good points. It’s just sad that she’s having to go through this. BTW, the woman who kidnapped her had a history of bad checks and other arrests. Apparently this girl does go to church though. Probably what has gotten her through this far. Praying she hangs on.
It so happens that I actually live in Jacksonville, so I well remember the event. My heart ❤️ really hurts for Kamyiah as she is in a world of hurt and confusion right now. I can’t imagine her emotions are anything but confusing at this point. Eighteen years is a very long time to be missed by her real parents too. They have all been cheated of so much. But you’re absolutely correct about forgiveness too! It’s necessary, but I believe it will take awhile. Only God can give any of them the strength to forgive! Right now, they all need our prayers!
I agree, Faith. Forgiveness never comes easy, but especially in a situation like this. Thanks for the comment.
There is a big article in today’s Times Union newspaper about this story. This young woman has grown into a good, caring person. Her forgiveness of her “Mom” and acceptance of her biological parents and family says a lot about her character and faith. Side note; the article says the young woman has known for about 1-1/2 years. So she must have chose not to turn her “Mom” in to the authorities after finding about this situation that must have been so confusing for her.
Praying for God to cover her in His comfort and strength.
She does seem to be handling it well. Probably has a lot to do with knowing before the media got hold of the story. Thanks for the comment, Darlene.