By Neisha Roberts
Our friends at Show Hope say it well: “Not everyone is called to adopt, but everyone is called to do something.”
Maybe you’re at the point where you’ve prayed earnestly about adoption and felt the Holy Spirit’s urging to “find out more.” You probably have many more questions than answers at this point — How does the process work? Do I have a preference on where the child was born? Do I care whether it’s a boy or girl, infant or older child? Can I afford it? What will my extended family members think? How long will it take? Am I ready to parent a child from another culture? Is this really God’s plan for my life?
At Lifeline Children’s Services, we know those many questions weigh heavy on your heart and mind. We also know the best place to begin your research is in prayer and in Scripture (see James 1:27; Isaiah 1:17; Psalm 82:3; John 14:18 for a look at how God views the fatherless).
From there, we encourage you to take time to speak with other families that have grown through adoption or foster care. They are going to be great first-hand sources of honest information about the journey.
We’ve also compiled a list of resources below if you’re ready to dig in and read more about adoption, parenting a child from another culture, processing a child’s trauma, and more.
- Orphanology: Awakening to Gospel-Centered Adoption and Orphan Care, by Tony Merida and Rick Morton
- Building the Bonds of Attachment: Awakening Love in Deeply Troubled Children, by Daniel A. Hughes
- Ready or Not: 30-Day Discovery Devotional, by Pam Parrish
- The Whole Life Adoption Book: Realistic Advice for Building a Healthy Adoptive Family, by Thomas Atwood and Jayne Schooler
- Wounded Children, Healing Homes, by Jayne Schooler
- Parenting the Hurt Child: Helping Adoptive Families Heal and Grow, by Gregory C. Keck and Regina M. Kupecky
- Confessions of An Adoptive Parent: Hope and Help from the Trenches of Foster Care and Adoption, by Mike Berry
- Adopted for Life: The Priority of Adoption for Christian Families and Churches, by Russell Moore
If you’re considering international adoption, we recommend registering for a free Roadmap to International Adoption Webinar here.
As you continue to pray about what adoption may look like for your family, remember that no question is “silly.” No anxious thought is ignored. We’d love to talk with you more about adoption. Contact us at any time, no strings attached. Email connect@lifelinechild.org or call 205-867-0811.
