The Joy of Adoption

(This is a true story. Names are changed for privacy.) 

“Happy Mother’s Day!” I said to a group of ladies. Then my eyes fell on my dear friend, Debbie, who was desperate for a child. She and her husband had longed for a child for ten years. I realized how challenging Mother’s Day would be for her. I told her I knew it had to be hard.  She said, “I considered staying home.  It is more painful than I can describe.”

I was adopted at three months. My parents told me at a young age that I was adopted. Knowing they’d chosen me made my heart happy! My parents and grandparents were ministers. What a heritage! I received Christ at age five. I grew up knowing that Heavenly Father CHOSE my parents for me. I didn’t need to find my “real mother and father.” They were my real parents! I had never heard the words “the spirit of adoption,” but I was living it. That’s why I say, “Parenting is spiritual, not biological.”  

I had childhood curiosity and told my parents I had questions. They said they didn’t have much information but would tell me more when I was older. They made a promise they would never lie to me.

Debbie and I prayed together for her to be free of any fear about adoption, and we asked the Lord to prepare a child for them. We met together regularly and prayed, often with fasting, and gave thanks for the child yet to come. 

One day Debbie said, “I know this sounds silly, but I wish had maternity clothes and was preparing a nursery like other pregnant moms do.”  I told her it was completely understandable and not silly at all.  I said, “Grab your purse. We’re going to the consignment shop!” We bought maternity tops, a newborn layette, and stuffed animals. We even found found a picture of Noah and the Ark. I said to her, “Debbie, as a prophetic act, put on a maternity top and wear it around your house. Set up your baby nursery and hang this picture. You and David are like Noah, building an Ark, waiting for a miracle!”

Their lawyer called. A young teenager had placed her baby for adoption. David and Debbie, full of excitement, headed to the hospital, only to arrive and find the mother had changed her mind and would keep the baby. It was devastating. Many tears were shed. They doubted they could go through it again, yet the Lord comforted them.

Another call came. It was a newborn baby girl! David and Debbie rushed to the hospital, gathered the little one in their arms, and headed home. Months of waiting, days of battling discouragement, roller-coaster emotions, and now their prayers were answered. They named their little girl Joy! They spoke blessings over her daily, prayed in gratitude to the Lord, and asked that she would know Jesus at a young age and know she was chosen. 

They were given a provisional guardianship at first because their state gave biological mothers a certain time to change their minds. Can you imagine the fear, loving Joy with all their hearts, yet wondering if they might have to give her back? We prayed and trusted, knowing this was in God’s hands.

The required time passed. The date was set for the final adoption decree. I was asked to go with them and hold baby Joy while they stood before the judge. They had to raise their right hand and swear to a covenant of adoption. Afterwards, the judge proclaimed, “You are now the legal parents of Joy. She is entitled to all legal inheritances. No other rights can make a claim. They are terminated. The adoption of Joy is now set by my signature and the seal of the great State of Texas! Congratulations, Mom and Dad!” 

Blessings to all Mothers, those waiting and those doing the Kingdom work training, praying and loving their children, young and old!