Put up or Shut up

well, that's an attention grabber for sure.

I came across this blog just in the past couple of days. Click here: My take: On adoption,Christians should put up or shut up.

There are so many points that are spot on within this article and really got me thinking. In the article, the author mentions, "But how many sermons have you heard on the biblical mandate to care for orphans?" He goes further with this next statement.

"When was the last time you heard your pastor declare, “if you choose to adopt a child we will stand with you. We will provide respite care, financial help and do everything possible to meet the needs of that child?” I was shocked into silence. I've never heard those words in any church I've attended. EVER.

Now, my own Pastor has asked about our process and we did try to get together and so I could share our story and we could share with our congregation---timing just never worked out and our Pastor just left on a MUCH needed sabbatical. I am not complaining about not sharing our story---our story will be told when God is ready to reveal it; but the point above is, as a Christian, I had never been taught the biblical aspect of caring for orphans in a sermon setting in any church I have attended.

My own Pastor was a foster parent for many years, he knows we Christians are called to care for the orphans as the bible tells us in James 1:27. I wish this sort of teaching was shared more in the church--maybe there would be fewer orphans. The initiative started by Dr. James Dobson in Colorado has proven putting the message back in the church CAN make an impact.

And if Christians aren't willing to follow God's mandate in caring for orphans then they have no place in telling/deciding who can and CANNOT adopt orphans in NEED. Caring for orphans does not mean adoption for everyone, it means doing what you can to help those who hear the call AND answer it. Stand beside us. Support us. Offer you help. Offer your heart. Offer what you can. Support is something to be treasured in a journey like ours. Not all families adopting have support of their own families and loved ones. Fear is an ugly, ignorant emotion and I've learned it rears it's ugly face in many situations for families adopting.


We cannot all adopt and no one person can "save them all"...but we can save ONE at at TIME and we all need a little help, encouragement, support, love and prayers. If you are supporting families in caring for orphans---thank you. If you aren't I pray this article touches you in a way that changes you.

~Christie~