Tuesday, October 14, 2008

One Birth Mom's Story

"It was 26 years ago that I was faced with the most heart wrenching decision of my life. I had barely turned 16 and found myself pregnant. I was so blessed to have a supportive and loving family who sought godly counsel. Through that counsel we were directed to a wonderful Christian adoption agency. I am so very thankful to my pregnancy counselor, and to the loving staff who loved and prayed for me during this difficult time.

Through their guidance, I came to the conclusion that the best scenario for my baby was adoption. I had such a peace about my decision – the kind of peace that can only come from the Lord. Back then adoptions were usually closed. So I know very little about my child and nothing about her whereabouts to this day. However, I am confident that the Lord has kept His hand on her just as He has me all these years. His peace has sustained me all these years. And it is that perfect peace that calms my heart as I realize I may never meet her face to face. I can say, with all confidence, that I have not one regret about my decision. However, there is not a day that passes that I do not think about my daughter. Wondering what she looks like, where she is and what her life is like.

I pray she loves Jesus.

It is the forever families who are willing to invest in the lives of unknown children out of obedience to their Lord. They are then able to have an impact on eternity. Whenever I meet a family who has adopted, I make it a point to thank them for saying “yes” to God. For without them, adoption would not be possible.

I am forever grateful to the family who said yes to the Lord’s call to adopt my daughter. My hope and prayer is that many children would receive the gift of a forever family to love them and one day assist in leading them into a decision to follow Christ. After all, we have the best example of adoption and the story is written in His gospel. My God, by His infinite grace and mercy and by His love, grafted me into his family. I’m so glad He chose me."

…to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge; that you may be filled with all the fullness of God. Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us,

Ephesians 3:19,20


-Lisa

7 comments:

Anonymous said...

Thank you for sharing. Lord, have mercy.

Angela B

Unknown said...

Wow, that is amazing!

Anonymous said...

Thanks for sharing this! Isn't it amazing how much domestic adoptions have changed over the past few decades? I am really glad our adoption is not closed so that our child won't ever have to wonder about her background, and her birthparents won't ever have to wonder if she is still alive, and that they know she is thriving, etc. etc. I am glad that your friend Lisa is at peace with her decision, but what a hard road to travel, for sure. Thanks for posting this!

lisaqshay said...

I feel that I must address the situation of closed vs. open adoption. God definitely has a plan for all of us. I had the privilege of sitting on a panel with other birth moms at a Q&A session for perspective adoptive families with an agency I volunteer for (actually the same agency I chose for my placement). I was the only one who had experienced a closed adoption. For me, it has been a blessing. God knows my personality and He, obviously, chose a family that would have peace about the situation. Perhaps my daughter has not made contact with me due to her "perfect grafting" into her family. (It would only take one phone call to the agency's office to contact me. My records have been and will continue to be updated.) And I am at TOTAL peace with that. I have asked God to make it very clear to me if I am to do anything to pursue her in anyway. I have yet to receive a confirmation in that direction. Again, perfect peace that only He can give. I do not experience any angst or grief over not knowing her whereabouts only natural curiosity. God also provided me with the perfect man to love me for who I am and all that I have been through. Together, we pray for God's leading in this situation. We have been blessed with 3 wonderful boys whom I cherish and thank God for. He is my redeemer and has done so in my life here on earth and will do so when He call me home. Praise Him from whom all blessings flow.
~Lisa

Anonymous said...

I, too, can attest to the fact that God can bring perfect peace... and can sustain that peace thru the years.

I was never more proud of my daughter than I was that day she finalized the adoption of her daughter those 26 years ago... seeing her in her teenage years having the wisdom to know, and to express, that her daughter needed the love and wisdom of a mature family to love, guide and nurture her thru out her years.

And of this we are confident--- God chose the perfect home and the perfect parents for our precious daughter/granddaughter, and we all have experienced that peace that "passes all understanding" thru all these years--- trusting HIS plan.

-Lisa's Mom

lisaqshay said...

oh mom...what an amazing story we have of God's goodness and grace. I am so blessed and honored to call you MOM. All my love and thanks to your faithful prayers for me over the years. God has surely answered over and above, has He not?

Unknown said...

Beautifully spoken!
From an adoptee and adoptive mom to 6!
Children are a GIFT from the Lord!
Sounds like you are really loved and blessed Lisa!