Compelled

About five years ago I was sitting on the deck with Luke on a sunny Sunday afternoon. We were talking about our future, our dreams and our goals. I shared with him that I felt a tug in my heart to do something to help orphans. I wasn't sure what it was, just that I felt compelled to do something in my lifetime that would have an impact on the plight of orphans in our world.

Since losing our Liza Jane, many of these dreams have come into sharper focus. The moments she lay in our arms slipping from this world into the next were a gift, because they caused our entire world view to shift. Things we once thought important no longer mattered. Other things became very high priorities.

I walked away from the hospital after she passed with a turmoil of emotions. At that moment, though, I knew two things for sure. I wanted to be a mother to more children. And, something must be done to help ease the suffering of the children of this world.

A verse of scripture has stood out to me ever since Liza's passing. "Pure and genuine religion in the sight of God the Father means caring for orphans and widows in their distress and refusing to let the world corrupt you." - James 1:27, NLT

Today I read an article in an adoption publication, LifeLines, that brought this journey into sharp focus for me. A pastor and adoptive father was sharing about his family's decision to adopt.

"Before adopting, I thought of adoption as something a Christian couple could do if they wanted to. The question was, 'Do we want to adopt?'

"However, through my study, I realized that God has a bigger, bolder, and more glorious view of orphans. God intends for his people to conform to his image and his heart. The more appropriate question is: What role does God call us to play in the care of orphans?"

Don't get me wrong, I don't personally believe that God is calling everyone to go out and adopt orphans. There are many other wonderful ways to support children and orphans in need.  Two of my favorites are Reece's Rainbow and Compassion. And adoptive families need support too!

I guess what I want to say is this: In the adoption matching process, I have often lost my focus. It's been an emotional whirlwind as we consider children's profiles and try to identify the ones our family can best serve. This article I read today brought my goals back into view.

There are children waiting for a forever home, children who are orphans, and we are going to adopt some of them. This may not be the end of what I will do in my lifetime to help orphans. In fact, I feel it may only be the beginning. And I feel humbled and energized to be part of something that is so close to God's heart.