12 years ago when I took Jesus serious at His invitation, I said "Yes" to Him and gave Him my life and my life has never been the same since. I have chosen this road I'm on and I can not say no to Jesus. Oh, He allows me to choose to say yes or no, but how can I say no?
At times people ask us why we are doing what we are doing. People sometimes think we're crazy or foolish. What they don't understand is that to say no to a child in need is to say no to Jesus. To turn my back on someone I can help is to turn my back on my Lord.
I spent my first 44 years living my own life to please myself. My goal was to be successful - in the world's definition of success - and at times I was very successful, but I was so unhappy inside. I knew deep down inside that there had to have been so much more to life than just what the world viewed as success.
As I matured in my walk with Jesus, I got serious about what it was He wanted out of my life. He was serious when He said, "Take care of the poor and defenseless orphans." How could I say no to a beautiful little boy that had special needs as he languished in an orphanage in China? How could I say no to these two sibling groups of brothers and sisters as they struggled for survival in Ethiopia? So many others had said no to them. I would be saying no to God. My God is big enough to help me. He pours His love and nurturing through me so that I can be a loving and nurturing mom to these older orphaned children. I will not say no to God. I have to say yes, even if He places more kids in our hearts and minds.
Sure, I would love to travel the world as I did before them. I would love to buy another sports car. I would love to live in a swanky loft in the big city. That would be me all the way. But it's not about me...is it? That is not what I am called to do. My life is not my own. I am bought and paid for, I belong to Jesus.
Maybe when my little ones are grown and gone I'll see that sports car or that loft, or maybe not. My reward may wait until Heaven. But, I'm not taking this journey for a reward. God has called me and I'm being obedient because I love and trust Him. How can we say we love the Lord God but live in comfort while the unloved go unloved? How can we say we love the Lord Jesus while the orphaned stay orphans, or while the street kids roam the streets? How can I say I love the Lord and stand idle as the poor become poorer and are exploited by the rich? Loving the fatherless, loving the abandoned and loving the seemingly hopeless requires a sacrifice.
This road will be long, lonely and VERY difficult. I may be misunderstood, unappreciated, and maybe even scorned by the very ones that have been put into my life. But Jesus NEVER said that it was going to easy, full of songs and flowers and earthly rewards. I know this, but how can I say no? The true Christian walk is not a walk in the park, picking flowers and singing love songs to the Lord. He put his here to love Him. To love Him is to serve Him. To serve Him is to serve those whom He loves. Parenthood is a life of service.
How can I say no to them when they need me - He did not say no to me.
THE JOHNSON CHRONICLES: FOLLOW THE JOHNSON FAMILY'S UPS AND DOWNS!
12 comments:
I love this post!
Especially the last paragraph and that last line!
I'm so thankful He adopted me into His family! And that He has patience with me as I grow and learn to fully trust and follow Him - wherever the path may lead me!
You will never be scorned or misunderstood by your circle of Christian friends here. We love you and ALL of the kids. I know this is what God has called you to do. It is so obvious especially when I see all of you together. I know God has called me to be their Aunt!
Great post. It's so clear that the call of the Lord is on your family. And that you are making eternal investments that pay way better dividends than swanky real estate or fast cars. And besides, those converter vans can really haul down an open road, I've heard. :)
How well you have summed up a situation that seems complicated at first, but is actually so fundamental and clear to you. (Note I said "clear", not "easy", lol!)
We are all put on different paths, but if we live in love, faith, and obedience, all paths lead to Him.
I love this post too, it is very good! I also feel a lot for the children that needs a mama and a papa. But I feel that I am not good enough in raising children that are not biological mine..
AMEN!!!
Just know that we all love you and we do understand and just want the best for you and all your family!!!
The new picture on top of your blog is a beautiful picture of your family.
Love, love, love the new header pic!
I found your blog via "Confessions of a CF Husband", which I have followed for several months. I'm so choked up reading your post and seeing the picture of your beautiful family. I could not have said it any better. My husband and I are proud parents of three biological children, ages 7, 4, and 1. We have felt lead for years to adopt through the foster care system, but were waiting on the right timing. Last night, my husband said, out of the blue, "I'm ready to adopt." I just stared at him, stunned, as he was wanting to wait a few more years until we were done birthing our biological children. I smiled and asked, "What changed?", to which he replied, "I'm just ready. It breaks my heart too much to wait." And so, first thing Monday morning I will be calling the county to begin the process. I thank God for people like you who jump in with both feet, knowing that if God called you, He will equip you. Kudos to you!
You are an inspiration!
I love you blog and your new header is fabulous!
AMEN! You rock sister and I love it when I see someone who truly LIVES their beliefs. :0) Amy
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