Guest Blog: Brick Walls

By Angie, an adoptive mom

Brick walls are there for a reason. The brick walls are not there to keep us out. The brick walls are there to show how badly we want something, because the brick walls are there to stop the people who don't want something badly enough. They are there to keep out the other people. - Randy Pausch

In an attempt to be real, I will choose my words carefully, because I think it is the wise and responsible thing to do.

A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver. Proverbs 25:11

Today I feel compelled to be real and speak about orphans and adoption. More specifically, about feeling called by God to do something.
I am just one small person here on this earth, so it is easy for me to feel like doing something for orphans is just way to big of a problem. How can one person make a difference when there are over 147 million orphans in the world? Yet, I am one person that God can use in mighty ways if I will allow him to!
Our adoption is at a little stand still right now which is making me feel a bit helpless. I have conflicting feelings about how I should be waiting. It is hard to be still and wait when our little girl has already been waiting 4 years to have a mother hold her and love her as only a mother can.
It is hard to sit still when you hear about a family who just returned home after traveling to adopt their child who is barely holding on to life, and at 3 years old only weighs 11 pounds. These parents know that their precious child is only alive right now by the grace of God, and this little one is battling for life. Please Pray!!!!
How can I be still and wait when I know these things are going on?
One thing to do immediately is PRAY! When we are children of God redeemed by our savior Jesus, we can always take our prayers right to the throne of our Heavenly Father. He is truly the one to talk to when it comes to battling life and death. He knows each hair on our heads. He knows our names, He knows our hearts.

He does not call the equipped, He equips the called!

Adoption is a big decision.When I first felt called to adopt in 2006 I had many negative voices in my head trying to convince me that I couldn't do it. Those voices are NOT from God! Those voices are the devil trying to talk us out of doing the work that God has called us to do.
You would think that the second time around when we were deciding to adopt again, that it would have been so much easier to decide, but it wasn't. That pesky devil knows how to get to you, but you can't let him!

These are some of the things that I have heard in my own mind about why I shouldn't adopt:

- It costs too much money, I don't have enough money to do this.
-You already have 5 kids, you won't have the strength or ability to handle anymore.
- no one will approve you to adopt again, maybe they will tell you you do not have enough money or enough room in your house.
- I am not strong enough to go this road again, adoption is such an emotional journey.

But, If God is calling me to care for orphans and adopt this is how I should respond:

- With God all things are possible!
- Where there is a will there is a way.
- God does not give us more than we can handle.
- My help and strength come from the Lord!

Are the brick walls in your way?
Pray about them! I know God can and will do one of two things.
1)He will remove them.
2) He will help you climb over them.

God never promised us an easy road! He never said choosing to care about orphans and adoption would be a smooth clear path. He does promise that we will never walk this path alone, and that He will give us strength to endure.

Are you being called to care for orphans?

Pure religion and undefiled before God the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world. James 1:27

And the king shall answer and say unto them, verily I say unto you In as much as ye have done it unto the least of these my bretheren, ye have done it unto me. Mathew 25:40

Maybe right now you aren't sure how you are being called. Not everyone can adopt, but, everyone can help in some way. I urge you to pray.

I said I was keeping it real today. I am truly an ordinary "real" person. I never have felt that I was truly different from anyone else, and I wonder why God chose to lay the calling on my heart to care for orphans. The truth is I am just one small person, a sinner, weak, easily discouraged. I have many flaws. But, I have prayed to God and humbled myself before Him. He has given me the strength to do His work. I am honored to have been called and equipped by Him. I will keep pressing on for His good and His glory.

If you have any questions about adoption, I would love to help. Also, If you are in need of prayer please let me know.

Blessings,
Angie 


www.angie-hopefaithlove.blogspot.com

Today is the last day to help Tina.  Please go HERE and give what you can.  Thank you!!