I believe earthly adoptions are really just a picture of what God did for us. Just as Lindsey is now legally and in every other way recognized as our daughter, we as Christians have been adopted by our heavenly Father and are now co-heirs with Christ.
“The Spirit Himself testifies together with our spirit that we are God’s children, and if children, also heirs — heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ — seeing that we suffer with Him so that we may also be glorified with Him.” ~ Romans 8:16-17
I am overwhelmingly convicted about the need for adoption — and recently I’ve become even more convinced of this reality. Experience has been teaching me how deeply children need permanence, how much they need the security of knowing they are protected, that they must be taught that love is not conditional upon their behavior. I’ve seen how greatly they need a mama and a daddy. I am in tears even as I type this because the need is so deep and so real.
Ken and I felt, even before Lindsey came into our life, that hers would probably not be our only adoption. We both feel strongly that God has called us to adopt again, and we are eager to see when that happens and who else He will bring into our lives. When I mentioned how completely convicted I was about caring for “the least of these,” adopting again was the biggest way God showed me that I am to do this. Ken is in complete agreement. So, we’re starting down the road of adoption again.
I saw this video on our friend’s blog recently, and I want to share it with you, too:
I don’t know if you have felt any nudgings from God about adoption, but I ask that you prayerfully consider what He would have you do. And I pray that you would be able “to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and width, height and depth” of God’s love for you. (See Ephesians 3:18)
Never forget: the God of the universe is madly in love with YOU.
Wife, mama, homeschooler, dog-wrangler. Introvert who finds joy in good books, sunshine, and authentic conversation. Fitness enthusiast and strength coach. Often seen with a steaming mug of tea in hand.
Yeah!! Thanks for all the information and encouragement. I found out some good stuff through our state BCS office. I will keep you posted on our adventure and I look forward to reading about yours!!
My heart is very heavy for babes without a loving home to call theirs. I can’t wait to see what little one He will bless us with.
Yay! Looking forward to hearing more! 🙂
Oh my,
what a heart warming post.
And so true….
You see so many children in families with biological parents that don’t care.
I’ve always said that birthing a child no where near makes you a mama…It’s the life that you give them and the sacrifices you make.
So happy I found your blog!
In a world of “fake” you seem so real.
Blessings to your sweet family!
Jamie,
Thanks for this thoughtful post God placed on your heart. My husband and I have been praying about whether it is God’s will for us to adopt from India.
You have such love in your heart Jamie. I have thought that I would like to adopt in the past, but wasn’t for sure about all the ropes you would have to go through so just didn’t put any legs on my thoughts.
And I would like to say “Amen” to Amanda.
Good for you guys! So exciting!
We’re hoping to add to our family, through adoption, many times….God willing!
Oh I will be praying and I am excited to see what God has planned for your family! I love to see how God designs all of our families:)
The way you describe adoption is absolutely beautiful. Lindsey is lucky to have found you.
Hi! I love your blog! I read about how your family has decided to take in/have more children and I think that is awesome! Thank you for the music video. It made me cry! So great! We are in the process of fostering to adopt and the journey is not very fun but I cannot wait to be a mommy again! Thanks for being so active in sharing your adoption stories and your burden for adoption… it is sooo needed! Have a great day! I will be praying for your family!
Hi Jamie,
I recently read your article that was published in Stepping Stones (I think?) while sitting in our local Bethany Christian services office waiting for my husband to get interviewed. We are just weeks away from becoming approved! We are so excited and nervous! We need to raise $11,000. We are praying we will qualify for some grants. I too feel so passionate about adoption. I am thinking (and hoping) that we will adopt not just once but several times. I will pray for you as you pursue adoption again. Thank you for sharing your story.
Hi again,
It was Lifelines not Stepping Stones (as I’m sure you know) :-). How neat that your daughter is on the cover! Thanks for stopping by my blog.
Blessings,
Jamie
Hello, I just stumbled across your blog and wanted to thank you for sharing that video. I, too, am a blogger and am documenting our journey through Foster Care and Adoption at http://www.ronnieandheather.blogspot.com. I am going to copy this video and post it on my blog as well, so thank you for sharing it with us all. My husband and I have such a burdened heart for adoption and we are only at the beginning of the journey… It was a breath of fresh air to find your blog and read about your own journey and your desire to adopt… Read more »
How do you wrestle with this when you definitely feel called to adopt and have since you (I) was young, but your husband is not of the same mind. I have been praying and doing my best not to nag, but I don’t know what else to do.