My family has a long history of adoption. I was adopted when I was 3 months old. My brother and sister were adopted when they were 2 & 5 years old. (I was 6 at the time). I was fortunate to be raised in a loving, Christian family. Looking back, I realize just how lucky I was to be a part of something so special. My brother and sister were, too. In fact, they had come out of a rough situation. I believe adoption literally saved their life! [pictured: me; my brother, Ted; sister, Samantha; dad, Richard; mom, Leslie]
Naturally, after starting a family of my own it was our dream from day 1 of our marriage to adopt a child. After having 3 beautiful daughters, it was a tremendous blessing and answer to prayer that we were able to finally adopt our son, Zeke. [above picture was taken at Zeke’s adoption with our family and his birth mom Nov. 18, 2006]
Why did we want to adopt?
- Because the need is so great. There are thousands of kids “in the system.” Many of them are victims. Some have suffered abuse (emotional, verbal, physical, etc.) Many of them have suffered from abandonment or neglect. Some are just victims of circumstance. (parents have been imprisoned or are unable to care for them financially). Our thinking is: “They have to go somewhere, why not go to a loving family?”
- Because our responsibility is high. We see adoption or foster care as our way of “paying it forward”. Some people are natural “parents”. We feel God has gifted us in this capacity. Therefore, like any other God-given gift it’s our responsibility to use this to raise up each child as we’re able. We want to give them the chance to grow up into the man or woman God destined them to be.
- Because the impact lasts a lifetime. It’s a chance for us to really make a difference in the world. We love to coach. We love to teach. We love to parent. When you invest in the younger generation, you invest in the future. You affect future families. Future businesses. Future ideals. Who knows what invention this child will create. What book will they write? What generosity will they spread? What idea will they produce? Who’s life will they influence? What legacy will they leave? What cure will they discover? What mystery will they solve?
4 For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love
5 he predestined us to be adopted as his sons through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will–
6 to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves.
7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace
Will you consider adoption or foster care as a result of this blog?
If you have an adoption story, we’d love to hear it. If you are thinking about adopting, we’d love to hear from you!
Dennis Bloodworth 