What do you say when . . . .? Wednesday

As adoptive parents, we sometimes get asked the strangest questions. Things people would never ask about biological children, they sometimes feel free to ask about adopted children. I hope this post helps us (adoptive parents) better answer some of those things that are said to us or asked of us and I hope it helps everyone else have a better understanding of the blessing of adoption.

One of my least favorite questions comes from the most well-meaning people – often the people who are the closest to us and who care the most about us. The question takes many forms, but probably the most common one sounds something like this: “Why do you want to bring in more children. Don’t you think you need to consider the children you already have? They are not all as good as yours, you know.”

My first thought, while laughing, I think, “Wow, if you think mine are good, you really need to spend more time with us!” But really, mine are “good.” They are AWESOME!!! They are each a special, purposed gift from the Lord. So, I am challenged to look at the comment more closely – pray, pray, pray, and examine my heart to see if I can help someone see how much I love the Lord. Because the people making the comment (probably) love us, we need to consider that it is just their concern for us that makes them ask. They might just truly not understand the reasons why we want to do this. I believe that we are called to care for the orphans and widows, the poor, and the stranger. Here are some great words from Isaiah to help us remember what God thinks when we ignore these people:

Isaiah 1:23-25
They do not defend the cause of the fatherless;
the widow's case does not come before them.
Therefore the Lord, the LORD Almighty,
the Mighty One of Israel, declares:
"Ah, I will get relief from my foes
and avenge myself on my enemies.
I will turn my hand against you;
I will thoroughly purge away your dross
and remove all your impurities.

I think we get a pretty good idea about how God feels about these little guys. Why do I want to “bring in another…?” Because, God LOVES that child who is waiting for a family and I have a family who LOVES God. Even if it seems crazy at the time (That will be saved for another post.) Here is a word of encouragement from James 1:27
Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.
And, that is why we do it.

-Sandi