If you do not have hope...what do you have?

When I was a teenager, I was chosen to be a spokesperson on the state board for drug free youth. I along with other chosen youth members traveled the state and spoke to youth and teens about being drug and alcohol free. We also implemented groups in our own cities to help share the truth that living alcohol and drug free was the way to be.

One day after giving one of my speeches to a group, an adult began to question me. He asked, "Do you seriously think that what you are doing is making a difference? Do you truly believe that there will ever be a nation of drug free youth?" I was shocked. I responded with my deepest conviction by stating, "I absolutely believe that I can make a difference. I have hope. What do you have if you do not have hope?" This adult then shrugged his shoulders and moved on.

This weekend we were questioned in the same way. We were asked, "If we really thought we could make a difference since their are 147 MILLION orphans? What is adopting one going to do?" Again, we responded with our truth and conviction that, "We have been called by God to adopt from Ethiopia. We cannot adopt all 147 million orphans, but we will be making a HUGE difference in the life of one. We also have HOPE. We have HOPE that this is a ripple effect. Others will see the beauty of adoption through Elijah and others will also adopt. Once the ripple begins, then the number of 147 million will dwindle. It will dwindle because someone else will be touched by someone else's adoption story and it goes on and on." You see I truly believe that God has placed 147 MILLION calls on families to adopt. I know that is a shocking statement, but it is one that I believe is true. It is just taking that first leap of faith and saying, "God, I will follow you to our child. Lead me."

God has used stories and videos such as Lucy Lane's to inspire others to adopt. Kristi (Lucy's mother) posts emails every week from families just like ours who have seen Lucy's video and are now adopting. That is the ripple and it just keeps going. I believe that all 147 Million will be adopted. That is HOPE! If you do not have hope, what do you have???

I realize that the money aspect is a huge roadblock for many. However, we are proof that if you agree to follow, the Lord will provide. We have had every dime we have needed for each payment because others also heard God's calling to help. We have all been called to help orphans and widows. That calling is very clearly stated in the Bible. Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world. James 1:27 Some are called to adopt and some are called to help financially, but you will never know your calling until you stop and listen to God.

Our society has every dime we need to end poverty. We pay our movie stars and athletes millions. We do not feel one bit uneasy about going to a movie or an athletic event to "sponsor" these athletes and stars. However, we stop and think twice about giving to someone when they ask you to sponsor their cancer walk, heartathon, child in need, poverty, adoption fund, etc. I say this because I know. I am as guilty as anyone in this world of giving my time and money to useless things. Then when God placed a need in front of me, I did not give freely. God is changing my heart and eyes.

I have stated before that God is doing BIG things in our house. We vowed that when we started this adoption process that we would give freely to each and every adoptive family or need that was placed in front of us. When someone posted that they needed X amount to travel to pick up their adopted baby, we gave. You know what happened, we got three donations to our own fund after making that donation to the other family in need. I was standing in line at the post office and a lady in front of me was stating that she was sending care packages to her son and husband serving in the war. I asked her if I could pay the shipping because that was the least I could do for her family since her husband and son were giving so much to us. I paid the shipping and then got home and we had two more donations. I ordered dresses for our girls from an adoptive mom who is trying to raise funds to bring her newest adoptive child home and we received five donations. Again, I am not telling this to make it sound like we are doing so much for others. I state these things to sing God's praise. He is doing all of this! We are finally noticing the needs around us and listening. He is then providing. God does BIG things, when you allow HIM to take over in your life. Stop trying to save the world on your own and listen to HIM and HIS calling. You can do anything when it is through HIM. I have HOPE for a change, HOPE for a better world and HOPE in others. I have my LORD AND SAVIOR. I have HOPE. What do you have if you do not have HOPE???

Psalm 2:4-5

Show me your ways, O LORD,

teach me your paths;

guide me in your truth and teach me,

for you are God my Savior,

and my hope is in you all day long.