The original date of this post was Feb. 22, 2008. In light of the things we're seeing around us, I thought it would be good to give a "bump" to the top of the list.
Today is Friday. We have the weekend ahead to relax and then our weeks will be packed for the next 10-12 weeks. Next Tuesday, we begin our classes to become licensed to be foster parents. Yep, foster parents. We already have 3 kids of our own and we are inviting more little ones into our home. From the outside, I know it sounds crazy. However, I've made a few observations lately and I'd like to share them.
We have several friends who are stepping out of their comfort zones to do some pretty major things because God has told them to. One couple is leaving everything (selling their house, selling their stuff, etc.) here and moving to Africa to become missionaries, another couple who already has 3 kids is adopting from Ethiopia, another couple is risking working part time to pursue a life in the ministry..and there are countless others. The one thing I have observed from all of these "risky" behaviors is that when God spoke these ideas to these people, it suddenly became normal. If you ask our friends, "Why Africa?", "Why adopt?", "Why the ministry?", their reply is, "Why not?" It makes perfect sense to them and suddenly they are wondering why everyone else doesn't "get it." The same is true for us with foster care.
Many people have said to us "Aren't you afraid that the foster kids will harm your own kids?" or "Why would you want to do that, you'll just have to give them back?" For us, it's easy. These kids need people to love on them and we have the love to give. I know it will be hard, draining, physically exhausting and costly. However, how can God ever step in and help us if we don't place ourselves in "risky" or "dangerous" situations? Now, I'm not saying jump off a cliff and ask God to save you, but if it clearly aligns with what He has spoken to your heart, revealed to you in scripture and it still appears "risky" then maybe He welcomes the risk because it allows Him to show more of Himself to you.
I welcome a continued, growing relationship with my Savior. I know that He would never allow me to endure more than I can handle (with His help). I know that my life will not always be sweet peaches, roses and bubble baths. So, if I have the capability to step out of my "comfort zone" spread around some love and learn a lot about myself an my God in the process, all I have to say is "Why not?"
That sounds great! I'm excited for your family and will be praying for you guys. My husband and I will be adopting later on. We've always wanted to have our two and then adopt two more when our two are older and can join in the fun! I can't wait to hear how things go for you guys!
ReplyDeleteLani...I don't know you but I can never beat you to the first comment on Jess' blog. You're too fast! LOL
ReplyDeleteDon't feel bad Amanda. Lani commented way back on Feb 22nd when I first posted this. You're still first today!
ReplyDeleteAdopting Mason was one of those "crazy" things that we did. We were pregnant at the time that we adopted him. There were a lot of unknowns. There have even been times since that I wondered what we were headed for. But God's gentle voice speaks to me to remind me that He called us into this, He is with us still, and He will stay with us through it.
ReplyDeleteIt's not guaranteed to be easy and free of tears, but being in God's will is the best place to be!
God will bless your family beyond measure for seeking His will!