You. Are. Mine.
Adoption is a beautiful thing. It would be a different kind of beauty if every child grew up with both of their biological parents... but, in this world, there is brokenness. And the way I see it, adoption is a piece of beautiful collateral created from the chaos. Adopted in the traditional sense or not, these words are whispered to each of us... “You belong here. I chose you. It doesn’t matter what anyone says or where you came from... You. Are. Mine.” They are beautiful words. But, there’s a question attached. Will you accept the invitation? My first-born daughter was one of the most precious gifts I’d ever been given. When it came down to it, I knew I would do anything to keep her safe. Which meant, first, I had to get my own life in line. In a way, I had to say YES to adoption. My Creator whispered my name... “I choose you. You belong to me. You are mine.” And, I finally surrendered. I finally accepted. I’d searched the whole world to get a taste of peace & all along Peace was chasing me. Years later, I’d (re)meet an incredible man, one who... weeks after we married, would ask if he could legally adopt my treasured little girl. The baby who’s dad had died when she was an infant. The girl who’s heart was mine alone to protect & more valuable than anything else. But even so it wasn’t a hard decision. And I didn’t have to think about it. It doesn’t take long for a bruised heart to recognize Real Love when it’s finally been embraced by it. I said, “Yes.” Austyn said, “Yes.” Months later, after all the paperwork & the home visits & interviews... a judge said, “Yes.” & we became an officially-official family. And this experience... it’s not unlike what’s being offered to each and every one of us. A family. A home. A place to belong. You are loved so very much, my friend, you’ve been offered a new identity as a child of the One True King. And, this identity... its the real thing... In fact... it’s Everything. ✨ #MadeforBrave
