Friday, May 30, 2008

People Can Be Mean


Asher doing the hand motions at the Christmas Musical - a true triumph!
No one knew the struggle for him to hold up his little hand for all to see...but Mom & Dad did.



I wrote the following for Asher after a day of hurtful comments from classmates.

A mother gazes upon her son and sees his imperfection:
“Today I choose to give my love - forget the world’s perception.
For I know who created you and all that He has planned…
To love and cherish His precious son, despite the world’s demand.

You see, the world cannot see you perfect, as you are in God’s eyes
Because they have forgotten the very one who gave them life.
As you grow you will know His love and His comforting care,
Because your mother leans on Him and He demands she share -

All that He has promised you - each and every day
A life full of abundance and joy along the way.
And yes, there will be trials, and words that sometimes hurt –
Questions that do not have answers…answers that seem curt.

But He will be beside us and sometimes carry us along the path
And you, my son, will show this world that He has held you steadfast.”

Thursday, May 22, 2008

In Memory of Maria Sue Chapman

Sam, Mom, Jacob & Anna speak with
Mary Beth (holding Maria) about being Maria's Sponsors
A Helping Hand Reunion 2005


For many adoptive parents Steven Curtis Chapman's music has been our soundtrack. His family and their orphan ministry, Shaohannah's Hope, has raised awareness for the plights of orphans worldwide. His music speaks to all of us living in the wonder and miracle of adoption.

When I awoke this morning it was to a text message from my best friend letting me know of a tragedy. The Chapman's youngest daughter, Maria, was struck and killed in her driveway last night at age 5. Her older brother was driving that vehicle. I can't begin to know the pain and anguish that the family must have at this moment.

Maria was special to our family, too. We had her sweet photograph on our refrigerator as our sponsored child. Her smile gave me confidence when going through that crazy web of paperwork during our first adoption. She lived with Asher at PHF, toddlers together. I remember sitting in a parking lot shortly after Maria had been adopted. Steven Curtis Chapman spoke of his beautiful daughter, Maria. "Could that be our Maria?" we wondered. It was.

What a joy to watch her grow up via news of the Chapmans. I would check out Mary Beth's blog and catch up on what our little sweetie was up to and relish the photos of that precious smile. Maria was our first sponsored child, but since then we've prayed for Dinah (now adopted) and Abraham (just adopted). And as a sponsor I grow to love these faces and pray for them every day.

My prayer today is that the Chapmans can somehow find a peace in knowing that our little Maria is dancing with Jesus. Her smile is lighting up heaven and she is sharing with her Father God all the wonderful things her family is doing to find His children homes.

God, comfort us all.




Tuesday, May 20, 2008

What will I do When the Children Are Gone?

This was the title of an email I received today. I laughed out loud! I think the question for me is more, "When will the children be gone?" And I don't ask that wanting them gone, I just cannot see our house without children. I envision our house always having children...our children, grandchildren, foster children. I just don't see me stopping at being a "Mom" in the next twenty or so years.

I'm sure that how often children are in our home will change...but I don't believe they will every be completely "gone" from our house. And I am perfectly okay with that!!