That Inner Voice

I am aware that my last couple of posts may seem glib and insensitive.  While trying to encourage people to consider adoption, I am also aware that many people have answered that call to adopt, but have had to wait for years.  I have  wonderful friends who went through years of process to adopt, but were not accepted to adopt.  Friends have listened to that inner voice, stepped bravely forward, and are either in a painful holding pattern or have felt completely rejected and personally discouraged.  Some very competent friends have also experienced tragic breakdowns of adoptions.

I am sorry if my overly simplistic words of encouragement have only added to your pain.  Certainly part of the problem for the waiting children is often mishandling of the families wanting to adopt.
There is no doubt that adoption can be a harrowing journey that only echoes for the caring families the pain and challenge of the waiting children.

All I can say is to keep listening and being true to your inner voice.  Those long waits and rejections only give more understanding of the pain of many of those children waiting.  Three of my children went through painful adoption disruptions where their planned adoptions fell through.  All of the children have layers of pain, abandonment and rejection.

I have just finished reading a thoughtful and inspirational book, "The Invention of Wings" by Sue Monk Kidd.  I highly recommend it to all those seeking to listen to that inner voice and follow the promptings of their hearts.  Those worthwhile steps forward in life are not easy.  The ongoing pain and determination of the process, complete with heartbreak and discouragement, has been shared by so many others who have made a difference in this world.

Keep listening.  Watch for the windows that open when the doors are shut.  Be still in the pain and discouragement.  I believe it is all part of life.  God who is good and loving will somehow not let our pain and tears be wasted.  Keep your hope and faith through all the challenges along the way.  Again, I may sound simplistic, but it is my sincere belief and prayer that God will somehow be with you in the ways you need today.