Share the Beauty
As I write this, it’s Friday night. I’m happy. We just came from a launch summit for The CALL to hear about becoming Foster Parents, as if my capacity were made of elastic, as if I really do believe that Love never fails. I feel rubber meeting road, but I’m still not sure what will come of it.
When I mention fostering to anyone, the response is always in tisks, furrowed brows. So I don’t tell many face to face, though I guess my blog has a face of its own. Know, if you imagine me, that I smile.
This week we’ll travel to the dirty south, and we’ll eat pie and green bean casserole, and as long as we don’t talk about politics, we’ll laugh over and over until we cry.
In the meantime, which surely won’t be too mean, I offer these:
a safe spot at a warm table, a Mama’s table
a twig in the universe, where fairies get their goods
a gathering place for those who care for the very least in the human world
a revealing place for hearts in the process of return
{Posts to begin after Thanksgiving! Write your own and link-up December 1st.}
Happy Thanksgiving!
- November 19, 2010
- 16 Comments
- 0
- happies
Erin
November 19, 2010Foster parents do God's work. I do believe that with all my heart.
Melissa
November 19, 2010Fostering is hard..wonderful..heart-wrenching..rewarding and I could go on. As a kid that spent time in foster care and a current foster mom I can say that God blesses it, no matter how hard it gets.
Sara Sophia
November 20, 2010We have thought LONG-HARD about fostering ourselves.
Fostering to adopt in these here States.
Thought deep about adopting from a far away land.
We still seek God's heart daily about it.
And plan for a future we can't see yet.
Thank you for linking to our fairy place.
Where mama's and artists make things and sell them to feed their families.
Thank you. Thank you.
--S.S.
kendal
November 20, 2010i've been a public school teacher for 17 years and seen fostering change the lives of children profound ways. awesome, amber. awesome.
deb
November 20, 2010oh, amber . you made this mama cry.
safe travels. now, and always. for pie, for Life.
Megan@SortaCrunchy
November 20, 20101) Love Deb. Have been learning from her talk at the table for a while now.
2) From where I sit, fostering makes perfect sense for you and your family. If I may share, this is another long-time blogging friend who answered the call to foster parenting and is in the trenches now: http://peaceliving.wordpress.com/
3) Already planning my Dec. 1st Christmas Change post!
♥♥♥
Theresa
November 20, 2010Amber, I recently completed the training class for Foster/adoption. I am seeking the Lord about possible adoption through the foster system. I am a single woman and can definitely relate to mixed reactions from others. It is undoubtedly challenging, but I believe God is calling the church to step up and truly care for the orphans and widows in the way that God calls pure religion. James 1:27. I attended a faith based MAPP class which was so wonderful and really helped to lead me to God's heart for these precious children in need. I would recommend you looking for a faith based class in your area. God bless you and yours as you seek the Lord about this. I would appreciate your prayers as well. Happy Thanksgiving!
Elizabeth @claritychaos
November 20, 2010I love Deb and her online space.
Would love to get involved with CC this year ...shoot an email if you are looking for more than link ups, otherwise I'll stay tuned, my friend.
Jennifer S
November 20, 2010My heart would foster - in a second. Husband not in the same place. Too bad you get furrowed brows - we are to care for widows and orphans... and the risk is worth it. Blessings to you!!!
Stephanie
November 21, 2010I think it's wonderful that you are considering becoming a foster parent. We've often thought about doing the same thing.
lifelivedfully
November 22, 2010girl, don't you let any furrowed brows discourage you..as long as God's hand is upon you you are doing the right thing! I think people frown b/c at the end of the day most people don't really beleive God can heal teh broken hearted,mend the impossible shipwrecks of our life. We bottle Him up and never give our faith the power to see great and mighty works. I have no doubt that God can use you to bring priceless gifts of LOVE and HOPE to these precious children!! happy thanksgiving..enjoying "finding" your blog. your authenticity is refreshing...
bekah
November 23, 2010ooo Sara Sophia and Amber....
as a sibling of foster children... and foster into adoption in these red, white, and blue streaked lands. it was THE best and THE hardest thing we've ever experienced as a family.
Three biological children, many foster children we loved and hugged and poured ourselves into. A sister fostered into our forever family. then two more from broken russian orphanages.
This is a huge thing. Its going to wreck you. Bless you. Enlarge you. Your boys will struggle. Don't ever sacrifice their hearts for saving another gifted child. It isn't worth it. Pray. Stay on your knees daily. You are entering into a sacred trust and you need to surround yourself with those who'll uphold you because more will now seek to tear you town then build you up.
I'm so proud of you guys!
Elora
November 29, 2010russ & i were on the road to fostering before devonte chose us as his live-in family away from mama in arkansas. now, we find ourselves on a different road but none less gory or beautiful than the fostering. i understand well the furrowed brows and the tisks. received them from my own parents. praying for you guys. and...can't wait to hear of this next adventure. :)
Janelle Mahlmann
November 30, 2010I thank God for faithful people like you and your husband and my aunt and uncle and so many others who give of themselves and open their homes to foster children. This is a very difficult, often-heartbreaking calling. Thank you for loving and caring for these children. I offer my prayers of support and encouragement to you and your family. May we all find a way to so truly share the love of Christ.
Christan/MamaBearPing
December 5, 2010I think that your desire to foster and seek the Lord's will in this is amazing and inspiring. We sort of kind of fostered (there was no real regulatory involvement). I know that it's possible with the Lord's help. What a beautiful heart you (and your husband) have to help the helpless right here among us. Prayers for you guys as you venture out on this journey!
Kelly Anglen Moore
December 15, 2010Amber-
I've met you briefly before (In Target!) - I went to High School with Seth and played basketball with Chelle - First of all, please tell Seth and his family I am so sorry their (yours too) loss - Your post about his Grandad brought tears to my eyes as I recently lost my grandfather this past Sept. I don't really know how I stumbled upon your blog, but something tell me God had something to do with it! I recently met a woman from Little Rock, whose family has been active with The Call organization. I had never heard of it. I was forever changed by her story and information regarding Orphans in Arkansas..... Are you part of the program here in Northwest Arkansas? I haven't been able to find any information about it being around here. My husband and I have 2 beautiful children, and would like to have more, but have been advised against due to my medical history. I had preeclampsia with both pregnancies and kidney stones with one. We have discussed adoption, and have agreed to let God lead us to that path if he so desires...... I would love any information you have on The Call Organization here in Northwest Arkansas. Also, congrats to you and Seth! You have a beautiful Family!