Adoption: A Glimpse Into The Heart of God
Kristi and I have long had a heart for adoption even though the time has not yet been right for us. We’ve basically had a boy every two years. So, just about the time we would get ready to start the adoption process, we would find out Kristi was pregnant again (please don’t read this as saying that no one should adopt and naturally have a child at the same time, it just wasn’t right for us). But a year or so ago, we took “measures” so that we will (most likely; miracles are always possible) not have any more natural childbirths.
So last night, we went to an informational meeting about foster care – the first step in becoming certified to provide a home for foster kids. As I read some of the statistics about kids in the CPS system, my heart just wept. I was reminded that “the Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit” (Psalm 34:18), that God blesses His people to be a blessing (Genesis 12:1-3) and that, perhaps most of all, God has adopted me (Romans 8:15, Galatians 4:5, Ephesians 1:5, etc.).
Adoption (and, by extension, foster care) is a powerful display and demonstration of the Gospel. At great cost to Himself (yes, adoption and foster care will cost you), God provided wholeness for the broken hearted and family for the displaced. He has made His enemies His children! How could His children not have a heart for those without a safe place to lay their heads at night?
I have become increasingly convicted of how selfish I have been over the years. I like “my space” and “my things” in “their place.” But God has welcomed me into His family. How could I not open up our home to demonstrate the ministry of reconciliation?!
I am humbled and excited to be part of the live-blogging team for the upcoming Together For Adoption conference here in Phoenix, October 21-22. If you have ever considered adoption or are curious about how this is a Gospel issue, please join us for this great conference. What if every church in AZ provided security for a child? What if every Christian family in AZ opened up their homes?
- Find out more about the Together For Adoption conference.
That’s awesome, Brent. My good friend, Julie Gumm, has just written a book called “Adopt Without Debt,” which was featured on yesterday’s Dave Ramsey radio show. http://www.adoptwithoutdebt.com
By the way, Julie will also be speaking at one of the breakout sessions at the T4A conference. She and her husband, Mark, currently work full-time for World Orphans. You should definitely check it out!
That’s awesome! I’m glad you guys were able to go to the meeting. I can honestly say that you will do nothing harder yet more rewarding than foster care. Never in a million years did I think I would have been so richly blessed by being able to adopt 3 foster children. I am truly honored that God would allow me to care for 3 of his beautiful children.
Pingback: Holiday At The Sea » Blog Archive » It’s Not A Performance