Loaded Questions

We are applying for financial assistance for our adoption from ShowHope, and today they sent an email asking for a bit more paperwork, and answers to the following questions. This was difficult, because these questions are full of all things important. I thought I'd share my answers here, but I'm sure as soon as I hit "publish", I'll think of one more thing to add or a better way to say it. But, it's been good to think about these things today. I hope to be continually reminded of what my priorities are as my babies' mommy.


1. What do you believe to be the most important thing you can impart to your children?

I’ve written and rewritten this answer many times, because of course there are many things that are important to impart to our kids.

God loves you. I will pray for you always. I will always be here for you. You matter. You are beautiful, unique, and special. You have a purpose. Mommy & Daddy will never leave each other. You are secure.

But the verse that repeats itself in my head, that I want each of my children (that I have birthed and that I have searched out) to truly know and believe is:

“I have ransomed you. I have called you by name. You are mine.” Isaiah 43:1

I want every moment of mothering – every hug and cuddle, every moment spent prepping dinner or driving around in the van – to be full with the significance of that truth:

God knew you and bought your freedom before you were cute, before you knew about obedience, and before you learned the right answers. You are His. You are not mine, you are His.

2. What desires do you have for your children as they grow and mature?

When I pray for the two kids that God has already given me to tuck in at night, I pray this:

• That they would be kind and compassionate and brave and strong.
• That they would love each other well.
• That they would speak for those who have no voice.
• That they would believe God loves them.

When I pray for the baby I know only by faith, my heart adds this:

• That though he might sometimes question his “place” in our family, he will always find the answer quickly.
• That my insecurities in being his mommy – that I won’t understand what he’s going through – will never come across as a lack of full-fledged, genuine, overflowing love.
• That we would all share in his feelings if he becomes restless, because each of us has an eternal home that is somewhere else.

I desire that each of us grows together in longing for eternity while we seek to make a difference on this earth. I pray that my kids see the lengths God went to to make us a family, and that they celebrate it. I want to echo my own Daddy’s favorite Scripture: “I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth.”

P.S. I wouldn't mind if you wanted to pray that the response from the foundation would be favorable. I'm not expecting much, as I know they get many many applications, but it would be an enormous help to us.