Long time, no post!
The past 18 months has been a journey for my family and I into the world of foster care and adoption. For many of you who are closest to me you might have seen the on going ups and downs over the course of the year and a half; for those of you who know me in the context of this blog you will note I only posted two short times during the process. It was a journey, one of the hardest things that God has required us to step out in faith with Him. And while I still don't think it would be prudent to share details nor do I feel I have the hindsight to put that journey into its proper perspective: I do have some thoughts that I would like to share.
I have a friend that is currently "in the system" which is lingo for they have stepped to the calling of bringing children into their home. This understood in the context of Christian worldview is one of the most selfless and compassionate acts of love that can be done. At its most beautiful it is the process of reconciliation of a family (whether biological or an adoption). But it is so messy! My friend reminded me of how hard this path is today as we sat and chatted about their case. I was heartbreak and sad on so many levels. The situation of the kiddos was horrifying. My friends doing their best to provide love and support. A biological family that has so many hurts and disadvantages. And a system of government trying their best to operate both within the law and the best interest of the children and how does uncle Sam know what is best anyway. Hear this story today shook me and brought back feelings that were overwhelming during our journey in the system.
I have been praying for them all day and am heartbroken for them.
One insight I would like to share with all of you is our motive and mind/ heart position though out the whole process. One of the things I became increasingly convinced was our attitude should be encapsulated in the thought, how do we love well? It is so easy to love well the little guy who is now a part of our family and it always has been. A little harder, but still easy to love the "workers" on your case; sure sometimes it feels like they are talking out of both sides of their mouths or that they are moving to hastily or not moving quickly enough but deep down you know that they are doing the best they can in a system that is overcrowded and moves slow. But how do love the bio parents well? How do you look at the actions that has led them to this place and have empathy for them. How do you pray for their downfall? Is that really what you praying for when you are asking for when praying for consequences or justice? How about instead, realizing that God love and cherishes them just as much he does us is a good start. How would He treat the, would He count their sins too great or would He take their choices and sins, nail them to the cross with His son? Wouldn't He do the same for mine? Are my sins any greater or less than theirs? Isn't all sin the same? It is gut wrenchingly hard! And their is no clear answer...but we are called to feed, clothe, give food and drink, and visit those who are the "least of these" and I would suggest those "in the system" - everyone in the system (caseworkers, children, bio parents, judges, and even lawyers and foster parents) are the least of these.
Getting invloved does not mean you are going to take children into your home. Like being a missionary, I think it is a specific calling that God puts into your life; however, just as it is the job of the CHURCH (corporate and entire - not specific or individual church) to support the cause of missionaries..it is also the job of the CHURCH to support the people in this field.
