For as long as I can remember I have had a longing to adopt… someday. My husband & I have talked about adoption countless times. Recently the conversation started to change & it was such a blessing to hear the language begin to sound close. Perhaps the Lord will add children to our home through adoption, for that I would rejoice just as I have with our two biological children.
With that in mind I just finished Adopted for Life: The Priority of Adoption for Christian Families and Churches & I have been undone. Over & over again I broke into sudden tears as I worked my way through this book – my mind a swirl of what has been done for me & what the Lord is calling me to. Motherly instinct sent me falling to my knees as my heart was reminded again about the plight of orphans worldwide & the truth that true religion in Scripture includes a call to care for orphans (James 1:27).
The God I serve cares deeply about the affairs of orphans. He cares about the needy & helpless. He cares for me.
When I was dead, He brought me to life & gave me a spiritual family. In a very real sense, as Christians we have been adopted into Christ’s family. One day we will sit around His table & enjoy the presence of our Father forever.
That is beautiful. So is this book.
As I think now of the book tears come to my eyes. Moore addresses aptly issues of the Gospel, spirituality, how churches should build an adoption culture, details of addressing financial concerns, the sovereignty of God, racism, as well as the emotional results of adoption (& that’s just the beginning with this book).
Moore’s conviction that “adoption is not charity, it’s war!” drew my heart to fight for what is good & right & pure. God has called all believers to contribute to the ministry of adoption whether through prayer & finances or through opening homes, or encouragement.
Moore asks the question, “What if our churches were known as those who adopt babies & children & teenagers?” What would happen to our Christian witness if that was the case?
I will absolutely come back to this book time & time again. If you have ever considered adoption – read this book! If you know someone considering adoption – read this book! If you are a Christian – read this book! If you are not a Christian – read this book!
Moore addresses many issues within our culture including IVF. I know many children created by God through IVF & love them dearly. I think his approach in this particular area lacked some grace (as the grace side for people who have already gone through with IVF was nonexistent). I sympathize with those experiencing infertility greatly & think that all subjects, especially those of such magnitude should be addressed lovingly & gently. It is no small thing that brings people to the point of considering or going through IVF & we ought to be very careful how & in what context we speak to such issues. Gospel themes run throughout this book so the grace is there – I think you might just have to look closely for it in this particular area.
Overall, this book was an incredible blessing! The entire conversation of adoption has changed for me & I long to reach out with the grace of my Savior to orphans around the world.
Will you pray with me about the plight of orphans worldwide & how God wants to use you in this ministry? Have you read this book? Would love to hear your thoughts!
For other great books to read, check out…
Grace & Truth – Review of Messy Grace
Hospitality in Conversion: A Review of The Secret Thoughts of an Unlikely Convert by Rosaria Butterfield
Helping the Hurting – A Review of Being There by Dave Furman
Russell Moore is a powerful author. This sounds like a great book, however since I would love to adopt and my husband is adamantly against it (we have four kids of our own), I’ll probably avoid it… or give it to him for Christmas. One of the two.
Haha!! I love it!! I vote for the 2nd option! Its amazing! 😉
This is awesome, I have a friend in the middle of fostering to adopt and it is a daily war, I also love Russell Moore’s writing
Aw!! I know it is so tough. Any form of adoption is challenging but foster to adoption is full of particular challenges. Definitely recommend this book to everyone!
Adoption has been on my heart for years! Thank you for this post.
I love that! Mine too! The Lord used this to solidify a lot in my mind although my husband and I were already in the discussion phase, this book definitely opened my eyes!
Such a true title! Adoption is an all out war for the life of a child. I will recommend this book to my daughter-in-law.
Amen! and spiritual war because Satan is against such a beautiful truth lived out as happens in adoption! I hope your daughter-in-law loves it!
Oh wow, good thoughts here! Thanks for sharing!
Such a great book!
Adoption is so important I have friends who have adopted and it is definitely a calling that is special.
Definitely!! I love how this book points out that everyone in the church can have a role in orphan care whether or not we can adopt into our family by supporting those around us!