The Abba Cry

While there's nothing "official" to report on the adoption front, I did want to take a moment to pass along a wonderful article from July's issue of Christianity Today. It is titled, "Abba Changes Everything: Why every Christian is called to rescue orphans." The article was written by Dr. Russell Moore, the author of Adopted for Life, a beautiful book that should be read by anyone with even the slightest desire to adopt.

The article seems long at first, but is a quick read that gave me goosebumps and misty eyes at many points. Even if you're someone who in no way feels called to adopt, this article remains a poignant reminder of the gorgeous truth behind our own adoptions into God's family and the subsequent call to care for the orphans and widows among us [James 1:27].

"Adoption is, on one hand, gospel. Our identity and inheritance are grounded in our adoption in Christ. Adoption is also mission. In this, our adoption spurs us to join Christ in advocating for the poor, the marginalized, the abandoned, and the fatherless...

In saying that orphan care is missional, I do not mean that every Christian is called to adopt or foster a child. But every Christian is called to care for orphans. As with every aspect of Christ's mission, a diversity of gifts abounds. Some have room at their table and in their hearts for another stocking on the mantle by this coming Christmas. Others are gifted financially to help families who would like to adopt but cannot figure out how to make ends meet. Others can babysit while families with children make their court dates and complete home-study papers. Still others can lead mission trips to rock and hug and sing to orphans who may never be adopted. Pastors can simply ask whether anyone in their congregation might be called to adopt or foster parent, or to empower someone who is. And all of us can pray—specifically and urgently—for orphans the world over."

I encourage you to read the full article this week! Just click on the title here: "Abba Changes Everything: Why every Christian is called to rescue orphans"

In closing, it is with a grateful heart that I thank you all for your continuing prayers and support of Joel and me as we listen for God's voice.

Because you are sons, God sent the Spirit of His Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, "Abba, Father." So you are no longer a slave, but a son; and since you are a son, God has made you also an heir.
-Galatians 4:6-7

The Adoption Option

After several months of being unsure of what path to take, followed by a two-month break, Joel and I are officially taking this week to pray specifically about adoption. The notion of adopting has begun to weigh heavier and heavier on my heart. So many seemingly small things have happened...things I've seen, things I've read, things people have said to me, things I've remembered...that collectively are pulling me closer and closer toward adoption. But that is me. This decision can only be made in partnership with my husband, who is profoundly rational and intelligent (much needed qualities when you're married to someone like me). And it can only be made after a strong pursuit of God's will. Only He knows if we're meant to have kids. And only He knows from where.

There are so many unknowns. So many decisions. So many dollar signs, involved in the adoption process. It's enough to make you a perpetual procrastinator. But now's the time to get serious. And so we're seriously praying. It would mean so much if you could support us this week by lifting us up in prayer, as we navigate this huge life decision. Rest assured, details will soon follow once a decision is made...

Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.
-James 1:27

Gratitude

Well hello, friends. It's been a while! When Joel and I decided to take a "break" from all things baby, I never really intended to also take a break from blogging. But alas, that is what happened. Thanks to a dear friend, I am officially back in the blogosphere. It is always nice to know when one is missed. Thanks, Steph.

So much has happened since my last post, and yet I'm having trouble finding something to write about. Part of it is that I am exhausted just thinking about the last six weeks. I don't want to relive most of them, even in writing. I just want to gloss over them and move forward because for the most part they were dirty, messy, unorganized, stressful, and I'm quite certain they shaved days, if not weeks, off my life. Having just written those last lines, I am starkly reminded of how God has been shedding His light in some of the darkest corners of my soul throughout our home renovation. There's something about tearing your house apart and finding what's really inside that forces you to do the same with your soul. So here goes...a confession of sorts.

I am impatient.

I am far too concerned with outward appearances.

I am afraid of what others may think of me.

I don't like confrontation.

I have tendencies to push things under the rug and pretend like they never happened.

I hate messes.

I hate disorganization.

I worry too much, stress too much, clean too much.

I strive for perfection and dwell on flaws.

I allow my priorities to shift when life gets busy...and it's not a good shift.

I am lacking grace. Grace for myself. Grace for others.

I have a long way to go.

I love and appreciate my husband and need to show him that more often...especially in crazy times like these.

I am starting to sound like a freak.

The fact of the matter is that God sees this list and loves me all the more. I see this list and feel unlovable. Like I need to run home and make sure my husband is real, and that his love for me isn't just the result of an 8-year fever. And then I just become grateful. Grateful that despite my flaws, I am still loved. Loved by the God who made me. Loved by the family that raised me. Loved by the husband who is committed to me. Loved by the friends who have supported me. It seems that every day brings a new realization, a new challenge, and a new lesson on this road of life. If it weren't for the love that I am so undeserving of, I absolutely do not know where I would be.

I am also grateful for our new abode, despite not wanting to relive the last six weeks within its walls. In the end, it's the last six weeks that turned those walls into a home. It's the blood, sweat and tears of our friends and family helping us along the way. It's the marriage growing stronger as two very different minds try to communicate and find ways to agree on something...anything.

So I'm learning that just as we've allowed our friends and family inside to rebuild the walls of our home and paint them with vibrant new colors, I need to open the door to Christ so he can rebuild me and color my life with renewed vibrancy.

This is love: not that we loved God, but the he loved us and sent His Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.
-1 John 4:10