This is a blog I found a while back, but saw this post on Aubrey's blog and had to share snippets of it! Hope it gets you like it does me!!!
"There is no way to hide our calling when we are out in public and the human truth is that there are days when I really embrace the message of Matthew 5:14-16 and others that I just want to skip those verses altogether and go back into my homogeneous, self-centered, two children, double-latte life. But God says in His word - 'You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill can not be hidden.'
"There is no way to hide our calling when we are out in public and the human truth is that there are days when I really embrace the message of Matthew 5:14-16 and others that I just want to skip those verses altogether and go back into my homogeneous, self-centered, two children, double-latte life. But God says in His word - 'You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill can not be hidden.'
Every time we walk out our front doors people are watching. What does your life testimony say when you walk out? Is it pleasing to God? I hope so! I hope that you are reading this because you have felt the call on your life to accept the blessing of a child who God raises up from somewhere outside your womb. And if you are not called to adopt yourself, I urge you to support those who are. I pray as I’m writing that your ears will hear the call of the Lord on your life and be deaf to the clanging cries of the world. Adoption is hard, and trans racial adoption is always out on public display so it is always hard. But that’s not bad. When we walk to the park, or the zoo or the museum, it is almost guaranteed that God has a ‘divine appointment’ waiting for us there.
[W]hen you adopt transracially that phase is never over – the fact that God built your family though adoption is always right out front, always an opportunity to give Glory to our Father in heaven. So get your testimony ready, soften your heart and receive the questions from strangers with joy because YOU get to tell them about the God who made your family beautiful."
This post from Dorothy speaks so much of what I feel. Everday we have an opportunity to share the love of Christ with others just because of the way our family looks. What an honor! I hope this speaks to your heart like it did mine!
11 comments:
Please read my post today love yours and went right along with mine, I think...
This is an AMAZING post! It's so true...people stop me all the time and ask about Turner and adoption...it gives me such pride so give glory to God for bringing Turner into our lives. Thanks for sharing...and those are some serious adorable pictures!!!!
You must be so proud that your good works are so obvious! Wonder how your kids feel being on display like that.
Thank you for your comment another AP. It stings to hear that's what this post came across as, but know that I will take to heart your concern and pray that our children are never "on display" or used to give ME any glory. I appreciate your honesty.
What I meant to get across here is that people DO look at us. We can either deal with it one of two ways in my mind. We can be frustrated that we are being looked at OR we can use the moment to teach our kids about positive attitude and share the love of Christ. I really don't think this post had anything to do with "good works" but with turning something that some people see as negative (questions, stares) and use it to open people our Savior.
Hope this helps clarify. And again, thank you for opening my eyes to what it sounded like I was saying. I get irritated when people see adoption as "good works" and I would never want to live a life that way or make our kids feel that way.
The issue AP addresses is, in some families, a real. There are some (though I don't think many) adoptive parents who use this to display that they are "good" and are sanctimonious or patronizing towards their kids. I don't think it happens that much, but it does. What I do know is that it doesn't happen in the Shockley house. Molly is CRAZY IN LOVE with her kids. She honors them and their place as her beloved children. I've hung out w/Molly in public enough to know that she is conspicuous, and that this is a part of transracial adoption that needs to be dealt with head on. I respect Molly so much for the way she does this - with love, grace, and a fierce protection of her beloved children.
Okay, I just saw their were tons of typos in my post. Please forgive, I just got typing so fast I didn't read what I was writing. I wish everybody could know Molly -she really is an awesome Mama to her little munchkins and I was in a hurry to say that.
Hopefully as your children get older, you will just be able to be yourself. Once you are "over it" and over yourself about it, people stop looking and noticing you. There are tons of interracial families out there. It's no big deal.
What does it have to do with being a Christian anyway? Is it that your Christianity allowed you to adopt black kids, and you wouldn't have been able to otherwise, without some secret knowledge from god that all people are the same?
Your just a regular family. Honestly, get over it, for your kids.
Good luck.
Another AP - if you are looking to avoid Christian messages and people who look at their world through the lens of Christ, then you need to stop reading this blog. Your posts show not a heart for adoptive families or for adopted children but rather the same sanctimonios spirit that you decry.
Since you are now "over it" and don't need to process the adoption experience any more, please move on. Your comments are nothing but hurtful.
I hope that your adopted child(ren) will be able to get over you being "over it" as they grow up.
Molly and Blake you are amazing parents and you have beautiful children who you love with all your heart and soul and we are so happy to have your family in our lives. Thank you for sharing your hopes, wishes, dreams and your family with us. We love your blog and we look forward to reading it each week.
Some people just need to move on with their lives.
Have a blessed day.
Molly & Blake...love you all! Thanks for sharing your life with us! I love how you put this post...that instead of getting your feeling hurt or being offended by the looks, you can use it as a way to share the sweet story of how God has blessed your family! What a great thought!
I can't wait to see you!!!
Molly, my eyes are brimming with tears over the comments you've received on this post. You responded with such grace...I love that about you! I want you to know that just last night chris and I were lying in bed talking about "stuff", catching up, and I was filling him in on your journey, your time in Aspen and your start to adding a 4th sweetie to your family. I am blessed by you and by your heart for children. Those of us who know you in any capacity are keenly aware of your great love for children and family and especially for your Creator. He has knit you together as a beautiful family and you allow Him daily to be glorified in your life and the lives of your children. HE (and He alone) is blessing many many people through knowing you. Continue your writing and continue your glorious journey. Love you!!
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