Adopted for Life by Russell D. Moore was a book I read last year and loved it so much, I bought one, so I could highlight my favorite passages. It is about the priority of adoption for Christian families and churches. Besides being about adopting children, it is also about us being adopted by God. So, it is not just a book for couples who are thinking of, are or have adopted, but any Christian. One thing it is not is an informative, how to book about adoption. Here is a quote that sums up the book:The gospel of Jesus Christ means our families and churches ought to be at the forefront of the adoption of orphans close to home and around the world.
One of my favorite parts in the book is when Moore tells a story of an adopting white family that was told by a relative that he wouldn't have a black child in his family tree. In addition to relating that this was sinful behavior, the couple explained that Heaven wasn't going to be just white people. Perhaps if our churches reflected the true diversity of Heaven, perhaps people would understand the beauty of various races in the church body or in a family. Actually, during a conversation about adoption with a family member, they whispered in my ear, "You are going to get a white baby, right?" I am serious. Coolly, I replied that we are very open in the matter of race. Adding, "they are all the same inside." She sweetly agreed and was very pleasant with me. We are all so good at being politically correct, or maybe not so correct, but this adoption has really opened up a hole new view of people's feelings about race.
While I have no idea what our baby will look like, we will have to deal with the unpleasant reality of people's opinions. However, after reading this book and with the support of my friends, I no longer feel that I am selfish. I had felt that in my deep desire for another baby, that it might not be fair to adopt child of "color," if they were placed with white parents because of society's strong feelings on race. This book help me realize that I have God on my side, and all children are a blessing. It is not selfish at all, but completely biblical.
Finally, I would just like to add that the book does a good job of painting a realistic picture of adoption. It is not all roses. It is not charity. It is a reflection of God's adoption of us as his children.
Here is one final quote:
When we protect and welcome children, we're announcing something about Jesus and his kingdom.
Oh, and by the way, we have handed in our paperwork, and are officially onto the homestudy phase!
I just remembered, I also loved the part where he describes a parent as being a missionary.
ReplyDeleteWhen looking for a image of the book. I did a search on Flicker by the title, and it produced on the 1st page all of cats and dogs, but no babies or children. What does that say about our society? I will say, the second page of results did have 1 baby and mom on it next to the many other photos of pets. Sad.
ReplyDeleteKaren, CONGRATS! on turning in that paperwork. I think that took us longer than the homestudy process. We live in MS and adopted our first child from Foster Care in 2008. Luci came to us at age three and is now a bright and intelligent five year old through God's abundant grace. We've had a biological daughter since and plan to end this year submitting our paperwork to a branch of Foster Care where the parents rights are already terminated (had to wait 6 months on that for Luci)so that we can adopt a biracial boy. MS allows for five children in a household and the price is only $600 as opposed to local adoption agencies. Thank you for writing on something that is close to our heart. We've struggled with family saying similar things and have continued to pray about it. A friend who's family is now multi racial through adoption gave me this book and it has really touched my heart. I know I'm not expressing myself very well but again, Thank You and Congratulations. We will be in prayer for a smooth process for your family.
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