May the voice of truth be clear.

I usually don't comment on these sorts of things.

I most definitely have an opinion. And I will not hesitate to share such opinions with you in honest and respectful dialogue.

But truthfully? I find so much of the words and "shouting" and boldness expressed on social networking to be counterproductive at best and more likely, damaging to the discussions.

But.

BUT.

As my amazing son is babbling about something in broken English, broken Amharic while laughing and jumping up and down (something about a fish and washing your hands)...my heart is heavy. Aching even.

Because when I watched the Pat Robertson clip that had been trending on my facebook, I was grieved by what I heard....the same way I imagine my Savior was grieved.

You see, it's not just that he simply didn't support adoption. Let's be honest, if all Christians supported adoption, it would be a lot less painstaking for adoptive families to fundraise. So my guess is that there are a number of Christians who don't support adoption.
Of course, that's another post for another day.....

My heart was grieved because as I watched that clip, I realized this poor man had no concept of the dirt and filth and sin that covered him with stench when Jesus came along with redemption. with salvation. with adoption.

Jesus didn't just send money and "pray" for the least of these, he brought them close to his chest in a warm embrace and said "Welcome to the family. Here you are dearly loved."

My son? Isn't perfect. He has his scars...and for now? we even still have some open wounds. But he is perfectly and wonderfully made. And regardless of what his circumstances were, God has something beautiful in mind for him.  Healing is being done as we walk with him through his grief and hurt. I am not confident in my own abilities to help him...but I am MORE than confident in Jesus.. I know without a doubt that He loves Marvel more than I could ever imagine possible.

And for me? I can't describe to you the intense emotions that grip my spirit when I think of the ways God has blessed my life with this little boy. I am filled with awe at having a glimpse of the way the Father walks with each of us through our own healing. I am overcome that --while covered in my own sin and filth and circumstances--God called me to Him saying "Come here, daughter, where you are dearly loved. Come close to me so I can bring you healing and show you the plans I have for you"

So when I watch a clip where adopted children are referred to as "weird" and families who are blessed with these children called "The United Nations", I am hurt and saddened by his small view of the Kingdom and by his damaging words to Christians worldwide about the redemptive power of Jesus Christ...

But, as loud as his voice may be...I am confident that the voice of truth will be even more clear.

So, to the person out there who was sexually abused. YOU are fearfully and wonderfully made in the image of God. To the children who were beaten and told you weren't worth anything. YOU are God's Favorite One. To the children whose abuse came before you even took your first breaths. God did not make a mistake with you.

To those out there whose scars are on your heart. God loves you wholeheartedly. You are valuable. To those whose circumstances caused unfairness and hurt. God is your healer. He hasn't left you or foresaken you in your world.

We are all weird. Yes, You. Our circumstances are less than ideal. There is not one of us who wasn't covered in sin and filth and  requiring death. There isn't anyone who earned their salvation. The only way we could be "saved" was through the death of Jesus Christ.  And when He finished what He came for, we--for the first time-- had salvation. A second chance. An eternal family. Adopted into the greatest family ever.

For all who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God. So you have not received a spirit that makes you fearful slaves. Instead, you received God's Spirit when he adopted you as his own children. Now we call him, "Abba, Father."For his Spirit joins with our spirit to affirm that we are God's children.  Romans 8:14-16

Father to the fatherless, defender of widows-
this is God, whose dwelling is holy.
God places the lonely in families;
he sets the prisoners free and gives them joy.  Psalms  68:5-6 (a)

May this be the loudest voice of all.