Early on in our adoption journey, a well-meaning person told me she wished that Craig and I could have one of our own children some day. After I picked up my jaw from the floor and before I turned Hulk on her, I thought to myself, “She doesn’t get it.” As we prepare for the finalization of Isaac’s adoption, I am reminded of this naivety. She didn’t understand that adoption describes how you enter a family. It is neither a label nor an indicator of how someone is valued. Imagine sitting down to dine with a family that has adopted. Certainly the parents wouldn’t use an introduction like, “These are my sons Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John- he’s adopted.” I point out the silliness of this, because adoption is every part of having a family of your own. |
Isaac’s adoption has taught me so much about adoption into God’s family. Russell Moore, an adoptive parent himself, describes adoption as this: “Adoption tells us how we came into God’s family. And once we are here, no distinction is drawn between those at the dinner table.” (A Guide to Adoption and Orphan Care) I love this quote and this free resource! Download your copy here… did I mention that it’s free? Moore points out that there is no distinction between family members and scripture continues to describe what adoption into God’s family is like. Galatians 3:26-29 (NIV) states, “So in Christ Jesus you are all children of God through faith, for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. If you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.” Can you fathom that? What a privilege to be a part of God’s family in which you are no longer a slave, but a son or daughter. In his family, nothing can keep you from the blessing of Christ’s promises because you are his beneficiary and not just you. There is room for all of his children (John 14:2). Imagine that dinner party! I’ll leave you with Revelation 3:20. “Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me.” He’s knocking. Won’t you come dine, child? There's a place at the table. In love, Beth |