The word “adoption” means different things to different people. Hearing that word may bring you great joy or it may cause you deep pain. It may fill you with hope for the future, with regret for the past, or with fear and uncertainty about what’s to come. When I hear the word adoption, I remember a grade school friend and the day that her adoption became official. She was so excited to be a permanent part of the family who loved her so much. I also think of the friends I have who have adopted a child. I think about their stories, no two the same. The adoption process is full of what seems like miles of red tape. It’s a difficult and lengthy process, but for the parents who persist, the rewards are great.
As painful and as beautiful as adoption can be, it affects the child being adopted in profound ways. The child takes on a new name, moves to a new home, meets new relatives, and in some cases learns a new language. In essence, they have an entirely new identity. For many children, this is a difficult thing. Adopted children can struggle with identity and self-worth. Most adoptive parents have thought about adoption for years and they spend months preparing to bring their child home. They chose their child, they want their child, and they love their child so much. That’s what God did for us.