I am not my child’s savior. We all know this, but saying my child is especially lucky or blessed introduces a “saving” dynamic. Despite the commitment I made and continue to make to him, we are just two broken people working out what it means to live in the community and family God has given us. We’re learning together how to love one another and love Jesus. And it’s often an awkward dance.
![Things to Say [Differently] on Orphan Sunday](https://keyministry.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/iStock_000078073687_Full-1-400x250.jpg)
This year, as we recognize Orphan Sunday, let’s be sure we do so with respect and care for all those affected by adoption: birth parents, children, and those who are already adoptive parents.
By preparing itself to receive that child, the church will not only express tender care for the family, but will truly help the child and family succeed—both immediately and in the long run—depicting the kind of religion James describes as “pure.”
Until science reveals more to help our children rewrite their genetic expressions and recover from the trauma they experienced, we must continue to provide safe, nurturing communities and skilled, professional support to allow them to process their traumatic experiences.
Though 79% of adoptees feel confused or worried at school, we can make church a place of welcome, safety, and hope by fostering an inclusive environment that values individuals for their inherent worth as an image-bearer of God.