Adoption

November: National Adoption Awareness Month
I am so excited when November rolls around each year! I am presented with the idea of Thanksgiving and Adoption all smushed into one month! It comes as no surprise to me that they would declare National Adoption month in the same month that all Americans reflect on the things of which they are thankful. Because of course our number one item to give thanks for is usually our family. Adoption is a subject that I have become insanely passionate about over the past few years; and though controversial I'm sure, I think it is something all Christians should be passionate about and consider! Yes, I said it, if you don't agree with me, feel free to let me know.
First, it is simply amazing to me that I myself have been adopted. Romans 8:14-16 states, "For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God. For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, "Abba, Father." As a Christian, I am presented with the privilege daily of crying out to my Heavenly Father who has grafted me into his royal/priestly family! I don't know about you, but the immeasurable joy I get from that notion never gets old! Secondly, the word explicitly tells us to defend the cause of the orphans and widows (Isaiah 1:17), and if we wish to practice a pure and genuine religion, to care for them in their distress, refusing to let the world corrupt any further(James 1:27). and although God is the absolute Father to the fatherless, and the supreme defender of the widows, He will still place the lonely in families for them to be physically cared for (Psalm 68:5-6)! Now I'm not one to try and be "preachy", but this is obviously a heartbeat of God and should therefore be a heartbeat of mine, if I am in fact trying to be more and more like Him.

The list could go on and on of the things I have learned from being here at the Home for Children, but one of the most recent, is my compassion levels for others. Sure I have (or try to have), compassion on the children here, considering the things that life has presented before them, that they have in no way asked for. Sadly, I've criticized biological parents, wondering to myself why they couldn't "get their act together" for their kids. But now, God has opened my eyes quite widely to the fact that most of these parents do love their kids, they love them the best they know how, which in most cases is not good enough. They try their hardest to love their children, but they love them through their addictions and sorrows of their own childhood disturbances. It is truly sad when you stop and consider just how corrupt the world really is. I wish all would love and literally do all that is required to be a parent. I wish that my job didn't have to exist. However, we live in a very corrupt culture, which causes us to have many corrupt problems. Compassion is the key!
Now...here I sit, a christian, a believer in the inspired Word of God. What will I do about this? What can I do about this? I wish I could do something huge, but maybe God is calling all Christians just to be a small part of the puzzle. Adoption? I may not be able to save a whole country of children or cause human trafficking to end so innocent children would no longer be victims, but I could make a difference in the life of one; and if all christian families made a difference in the life of one, that would be a difference in the life of many. All Christian families should "consider" adoption. Let me say this in a little different way. All wholesome christian families should "consider" adoption. Families that are anchored in Christ and seek holiness should "consider" adoption. Individuals that know who they are in Christ should "consider" adoption. Why? What better way to introduce someone to the Lord! Working with children in the system daily, those up for adoption are asked by their respective case workers what they would "want" in a family. The number one answer I have seen across the board is: "A christian family". Now why would that be so important to a child that has, in most cases, rarely been taken to church or told about the Lord? Because they seek love, and freedom from their past and they see a "christian" family as their avenue to experience these joys of life. Who better to teach them about true love and how great life can be when we have been adopted into a family of true "wealth". (PS - their number 2 is usually a need for a "rich" family! LOL)
So, my plea is this, whatever walk of life you find yourself in, what is stopping you from "considering" adoption? Maybe you could be content sponsoring a child from overseas or stateside, knowing they are receiving better care, or maybe you desire to give a child a place at your dinner table. Maybe you're crazy like us, and though God has greatly blessed in the fertility area, you see fit to care for many more in their time of limbo. What action will you take?

I should definitely mention that Wesley and I have no present plans to adopt; however, it will always be an option to "consider". Right now, we are in our proper roles. :) I am also curious to hear feedback?!?! Thanks for reading!