I’m sad to say it, but I’ve found that this sort of adoption comes with a dirty stigma. To be completely honest I think at one time I could find myself as one of those who looked at foster care adoption that way. Thankfully the Lord has done a work in my heart and this is no longer me. But let me tell you the truth about adoption through foster care.
The truth is that there are THOUSANDS of innocent children who have been beaten, neglected, abused, and so on. Then as if that isn’t bad enough, they are stripped of the only family they’ve ever known, making them orphans, and all alone. This was not their choice, they did not ask for all of these things to happen, but we live in a fallen/broken world friends and circumstances like these are a very real deal. In light of what I just said, people tend to run from these children fearing the baggage they now carry. It’s too messy and complicated; but aren’t we all? What if God said, “Nope, I’m not going to sacrifice my only son for Brittany. Her life, heart, and circumstances are too messy. I’m not about to deal with that.” No, thankfully He looked past all of that mud and sludge to see who he made me to be. I am here today because He has redeemed me. Now I’m not likening our adoption to Christ’s redemption, but we are looking past these nasty things at the heart of these children. Will it be easy? No. Are there things ahead that we’ll face that are unknown and we can’t prepare for? Yes. But through this process, the good and the bad, we are praying for the Lord’s leading and to solely bring glory to Him.
One thing I did not expect as we began this journey was how split our community of friends and acquaintances would be about our foster to adopt process. While I expected the typical “You’re crazy, another kid?” bit, I never anticipated having to defend our type of adoption, the age of the child we are open to, or calling into question God’s calling. I’m sure people meant well while asking us these questions, but it only stirs up fear, anxiety, and ultimately Satan runs ramped in my mind with horrid scenarios. So instead of sharing all your fears, reservations, or horror stories with us, please just join us in praying for our adoption. Pray for protection, favor, and ultimately God to be glorified. Easy or hard, whatever it may be, we just want to follow His leading. Because there is no sweeter place than inside His will.
Y’all these children need us. Will you step out in faith, abandon the stigma, and help give one (or more) a forever home? Take a deeper look and find out the truth about adoption through foster care…it’s all about these children.
I think it’s awesome what you guys are doing and it sounds like you guys have a level head about it all. Well aware of the many different scenarios. But like you said, doesn’t love and redemption trump it all? And most importantly than even that- doesn’t obeying His call on your life trump it all? If you are truly obeying Him then you’ll have ALL your needs provided, all the answers to your questions, all the everything to walk it out.
Don’t worry too much about what people say. Good or bad. What’s the Father saying to you?
Thanks for this post. My husband grew up in foster care going from family to family. I can’t help but wonder how different his life would have been or how different he would be if one of those families had adopted him instead. Nevertheless, I am thankful that he had some really great foster moms. We’ve actually talked about adopting a foster child ourselves and hope to be in the position to do within the next two years or so. We both agree that it is a great option to help a child in need right here in America and more importantly in our neighborhood.
I had no idea there was a stigma attached to this. If anything, what y’all are doing requires even more faith and bravery than a “traditional” adoption. My admiration of y’all just went to a “whole ‘nother level.” We’ll pray for you through this process. God bless y’all!
I love this so much. I was adopted with my brother when I was 10 after being in foster care for almost 5 years and my older brother was 14. So encouraging and yes it is an amazing journey!