At the cross You beckon me
You draw me gently to my knees, and I am
Lost for words, so lost in love,
I’m sweetly broken, wholly surrendered
Jeremy Riddle
Sweetly Broken
Many of you know the chorus to the song, "Sweetly Broken". Heidi usually never asks for anything specifically for her birthday or Christmas, but this year she asked me for Jeremy Riddle's CD. She had found something that pinned down hers and our feelings on our faith and adoption.
Now, I don't want to alienate people who otherwise don't feel the same way or choose not to follow our path. We don't put people in different "stacks", Christian friends over here, non-Christian friends over there. We aim to be humble examples of our Father's Love to everyone. At our party on Saturday, our friends from many walks of life were present. And, I'm not above having a brew or two with friends. We love you all. I thought long and hard before naming our blog, but the truth is this is God's Plan. Heidi and I have struggles with letting go and following His plan, just like everyone else has struggles with aspects of their lives. We keep making mistakes, just like you do.
This past Sunday we ventured up to Ft. Collins to man our UOO booth for an adoption seminar and guest speaker engagement. Tom Davis, author of "Fields of the Fatherless" was the speaker. We set up the booth and answered many people's questions. We went solo because we were available that night (no kids, remember). It was a step out of our usual comfort zone, but it had to be done. It was an opportunity to advocate for the orphans of Ukraine in a forum that was geared towards caring for orphans worldwide. What better setting could you ask for, and it was fun! I met Tom, he signed my book, and we attended his talk. Tom spoke about his early struggles with not doing enough in his faith. He needed to do more than just sit in the pew on Sundays and he was looking for ways to engage his youth group in an affluent Dallas suburb. He took a group to a Russian orphanage and at that point he was "broken".
This is the case with Heidi and me. I appreciate all the nice comments, People say all the time that we are special, blessed people with hearts of gold. We thank you. The truth is, we are no different than you. We have been called to do this and we have been sweetly broken.
We leave in three days! Please continue to read our blog, think of us, and pray for a smooth adoption.
6 comments:
I know just exactly how you feel. People tell us those things all the time, but we did it because we felt 'called'. I can't even tell you what they say, because I try not to remember. We adopted because God made the way and gave us the call. He had to work in my heart because, frankly, it wasn't my idea. My husband started talking about it first several years ago. I am a little ashamed to say this now, but I wondered if I could love an adopted child as much as my own three 'homegrown' children.
I was even a little apprehensive when we signed up to host our first Ukrainian orphan. Again, it was my husband's idea. I was willing, but I wondered, what would she be like? Would she like us? Thoughts like that. Boy, was I ever surprised at how loving and adaptable these children can be and how quickly and completely I fell in love! lol
Now, I know all the answers to those questions. YES, I love our little 12yo Ukie just as much. She is very loving and accepting. We have our moments, too, but there is never a moment of regret.
I look forward to following your journey!
June
Hi,
Thanks for stepping out of "your comfort zone" on Sunday night to be at Timberline. It was out of my comfort zone being there. Both of you being there Sunday was confirmation to me of what I've felt God speaking to me. It was great meeting both of you and I am praying for both of you head out. Thank you! Brenda
Sweetly Broken is a great way to say it. We are here in Ukraine right now and get comments similar. I don't know if it is even possible to go through some of the experiences here without being called to do it. It can be a painful pruning experience yet sweet at the same time. I have been broken and probably will need to be again. I have never felt more love from my Heavenly Father as right now. I am getting to experience His very heart.
Beautiful sentiment...I love this song! And I'm with you--I'm uncomfortable with people judging me based only on how I choose to grow my family. Adoption doesn't make you a superior human being or parent. We're all sweetly broken and doing the best we can each and every day.
It was great seeing you guys, and I am eagerly awaiting your posts from Ukraine! Remember my prediction....two boys, two girls, ranging in age from 6.5 to 13.5.
Love you both, and know that you are in my thoughts and prayers!
Lynn
You are a real special couple with huge hearts. I pray that the Ukrainian life will enhance your journey with our Creator. It is all about God and His heart for orphans. How awesome is He who moves a couple's heart from half way around the world to go adopt His children without parents. Bless you two, I will be on my knees for you and your children.
Oh, how I wish I would have known that was going on in Ft. Collins. We're only an hour north of there in Wyoming. It would have been fun to meet you and hear from Tom.
We will be continuing to follow your journey and to pray for you every step of the way.
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