“And whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me.” – Matthew 18:5
During this time of the year, many of us are reflecting on a season of gratitude.
As a Christian woman, I make it a point to do this daily. I love to reflect on everything that the Lord has sustained me through and every blessing that he has gifted into my life. One of those blessings includes adoption.
I was adopted at birth by my parents, who are unfortunately no longer on this earth. My dad passed away when I was 15 and my mom passed away shortly after my 30th birthday 2 years ago. I think about them every day, whether it’s how much I miss them or how they would tell me to handle certain situations.
Their hearts for Christ and their nobleness for children will never be forgotten. I was the only child that they adopted. However, they were also foster parents for decades. I had the opportunity to befriend other children that my parents opened their doors to – whether for a short time or a long period. My parents fostered children before I was born and until I was in the 10th grade. A couple of them continued to stay in touch over the years.
My parents were the strongest people I knew.
Any parent who would open their home to 3 other children at a time with their adopted child is strong in my eyes.
Today, I’m forever grateful for their hearts! I’m grateful they decided to adopt me. The Lord knew exactly what I needed – a Christ-filled home. While I never asked my parents their decisions for adoption or fostering, it was obvious as to why. They simply wanted the Lord’s will for his children. There is no doubt in my mind they succeeded in that. I’m reminded of Matthew 25:40 while referring to their obedience to God for adoption and fostering.
“The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’ – Matthew 25:40
While I was growing up my parents never said, “Oh, she’s adopted,” or “This is my adopted daughter.” They simply referred to me as their daughter. I love them for that! I’m thankful that the Lord allowed me to borrow them for just a little while here on earth.
If you’re reading this right now with a heart to adopt a child with your spouse, I encourage you to, after praying for direction from the Lord.
November is National Adoption Month.
I thought this would be a great time to share my testimony and remind people why adoption is indeed necessary. National Adoption Month was started by the Children’s Bureau to bring awareness to adoption.
According to the Adoption and Foster Care Analysis Reporting System, over 125,000 children and youth are in need of adoption.
It saddens me that many children in foster care are taken from home to home. I can’t imagine how they feel under those circumstances. I’m grateful that I was adopted straight from the hospital. While writing this, I read that teens who are in the foster care system are at risk for homelessness and human trafficking. This is alarming information!
While there are many reasons to choose adoption, at the end of the day make your reason about serving God’s children. Those children will forever thank you and all of your hearts will be filled with unconditional love. – Danielle Wallace
Resources for Adoption and Foster Care
National Adoption Month 2019, AFCARS Report on Adoption and Foster Care, and How to Adopt
About the Author:
Danielle Wallace is a 32-year-old lover of words! She is the founder of Memoirs of a Virtuous Woman where she enjoys encouraging women just like you on your journey with Christ. She is also a former TV reporter and the owner of Chayil Media Publishing. She has a heart for stringing words together to impact the masses. Connect with Danielle in the online space here.
November 28, 2019
