I understand why people do. And I understand it marks redemption for some. I appreciate the pictures of both children adopted and children returning to their birth homes.
Redemption.
We are coming upon the adoption of a certain vandal. But we won’t be posting how many days he was in foster care… here is why:
Every foster to adopt story begins with a horrific tragedy.
Actually, I stand by this; every birth into this fallen world began with a horrific tragedy. The tragedy continues. Just as it was in the Garden, the enemy slithers about telling lies and devouring. His primary goal? To separate me from my God.
I confess, the boy we are adopting was our first foster placement, and my first question about him was, “is he adoptable?” His case worker answered, “I don’t know Jami, but he’s alone.”
I am a coward.
I was afraid.
I was afraid I would get hurt.
I am no hero. I am not perfect. However, I am not a sociopath. If you cut me I will bleed. I prefer a pedicure, champagne, and Khol’s cash to heartbreak.
I didn’t get into foster care to be martyred or praised, and I don’t want the focus to be lost. It’s not the number of days we loved him or the days we thought he might go. It is the eternity I thought I had to earn. And it is about the boy who taught me about fearless and perfected love.
It doesn’t take a special kind of person to be a foster parent, I know this because I know me.
Somewhere, a clock may have begun to tick as he entered through our front door and another clock ticked away from the moments since he exited from another.
Doors were opened and closed.
Prayers were lifted on his behalf.
Hearts broke.
Loved ones worried.
I am grateful to be named his mommy. However, I won’t forget the clock that began to tick as he was knit together by His Heavenly Father in secret in someone else’s womb. Long before any of us among the fallen knew of him his name was written in the Book of Life.
He was created for worship. And of all of those who love him, this boy is loved most by the God of Israel, the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end.
Because of this towheaded boy, we have learned about a fearless love, sacrifice, patience and trust. He has increased our borders and expanded our family. We have laughed. We have cried. Our tears are kept safe somewhere in a bottle, time marches on, yet by the blood, no record is kept of our wanderings. Here among the lost and lonely I look for ways to keep track, race ahead, and be more, long after my God assured me He was all I needed and it was finished.
If it is finished why do I continue to mark time?
If He is all I need why do I still profess a fear?
Fear of the future kept us from pursuing foster care sooner.
Fear of the past keeps me in a profound cycle of worry, keeping a tally of things that were less than instead worshipping through it all.
There are many dates we will remember; the first time each of us held him, his birthday, first Christmas, and first steps. Yet of the days he was in foster care we care not to designate. There was no beginning and there will be no end to the days this boy has been planned for, loved, and wanted by the One who calls him son.
No matter what family he legally became a part of he was created by the King of Glory, alas he was born into royalty. Months where he was in utero, morphed into days he was welcomed with joy, celebrated through heartache and prayed over constantly, fervently dedicated to a life in Christ. There will be triumphs in his journey and stumbles and hurts along the way – however, he will be raised knowing Jesus is on the throne.
Of all the days I hope to witness, the only calendar I wish to keep for him is the one where he calls Jesus as his own.
The keeper of the stars, the creator of time, earth and sky; He who keeps no record – knows the plans He has for this boy. His mercies are new, His love unending, and He can name each blonde hair on this baby boy’s head.
Age to age He reigns.
I know it is tempting and people are curious, but I will not ask, nor will I divulge the number of days this boy appeared in earthly transition, or when his human future was not known. For my God knows and the people that will champion this boy, both in blood and in name, pray He makes Jesus known – that we each will be reunited for an eternity.
Sinless.
Blameless.
Sons and daughters adopted on Calvary.
How much time you ask? Oh, just an eternity in the fostering love and care of the Great I Am.
May your floors be sticky and your calling ordained. Grace upon Grace, Jami
Ephesians 2:10 (NLT) “For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.”
You might also like: Real Mom: A Heart Story and Foster Care: Hoping for the Hurt
Beautiful!
Amen!
Thank you!
Thank you for eloquently expressing this truth. We have been walking down this road for many years & that expresses this journey with grace & mercy.
Well said! What an amazing journey God is taking you on. Thanks for sharing with such openness and honesty. I continue to astounded at the “bigness” of our God. He pushes us, calls us from our comfortable places, and meets us there in ways we never could’ve imagined. Bless you and your family. I love reading about your journey.
Thank you ❤️
Every time we love– we are at risk! But what is life without love? ❤️
Beautiful! My favorite line you wrote is: that we each will be reunited for an eternity❤️
❤️
I’m not a foster parent but I am a Mom. I (almost ;)) always enjoy your posts but this one is absolutely beautiful. Just the simple truth that we are His. I pray that we will be able to share the love of Christ as God intended it <3 Keep on, keepin' on!
Great perapective.
Beautiful. I love your outlook on his life and ours.
Great post!
Jami you have a special gift of writing! Your posts pull me in; your words are honest, heartfelt and eloquent! You write what so many people think, but you have a special way of conveying it and all for his glory! Love your posts!
Oh my!! Thank you. You have truly blessed me this morning!
“It doesn’t take a special kind of person to be a foster parent, I know this because I know me.”
It occurs to me that you could substitute __________ for “foster parent.” Parent, human, wife, mother, friend, teacher, cook, student, employee, etc…
All of us are limited by being “me.” When learning that I’m a homeschooler, people often told me, they could never do it. But like being a foster parent, I suspect, you just do what God gives you the gifting and strength to do.
I loved this!
❤️
Knowing this precious child will be raised with so much love and will be taught that Jesus Christ is his Lord and Savior is a blessing above all blessings. You are a special person and I know was chosen by our Lord to be this little ones mother
That is very kind. Thank you
[…] “I didn’t get into foster care to be martyred or praised, and I don’t want the focus to be lost. It’s not the number of days we loved him or the days we thought he might go. It is the eternity I thought I had to earn. And it is about the boy who taught me about fearless and perfected love.” – Jami Amerine […]
Wow…….