Twice Adopted

Twice Adopted

Growing up I never realized there was a stigma associated with being adopted.  In fact, truth be told, I might have gone to the other extreme, thinking I was a bit “more special” than others who had come into their families in the “typical” way!  I have to credit my parents with my confidence in this area.   From my earliest memories, adoption was part of my “story,” told to me often, and always with the reminder that I was “chosen, loved, and special.” 

Along with this knowledge of the nature of how I came into my family, I always, from the time I can remember, was aware of the fact that God loved me, and was looking out for me.  In my childlike way I think I understood that things were as they should be, and it was part of His plan for me.

It would not be until later years, with more awareness, that I would learn people had different ideas about adoption and what it meant.  I have heard theories even recently about the so-called “primal wound” that is present in adopted children, where the separation from the mother who has carried the child is felt deeply, even if the child is adopted from birth. 

As I thought more about it, looking through my child development lens, I could see how it might be true for some, or maybe even most, adoptees.  But we need to be careful of believing something just because someone else says it; we may even start to feel like a victim, based on another’s opinion or view of the matter.  Knowing you are “supposed” to be wounded, almost makes you feel wounded, somehow, even though you never felt that way before. 

In so many areas of our lives, it seems we allow others to define us, when what we need to focus on what God’s word says about us, who we are in Him.  Our ultimate security rests in who He says we are. 

This is who I am:

~ Made in God’s image – Genesis 1:27

~Known – Jeremiah 1:5

~God’s Friend – John 15:15

~The righteousness of God in Christ – 2 Corinthians 5:21

~Adopted into His family – Romans 8:14-17

~Made alive with God – Colossians 2:13

~A new creation – 2 Corinthians 5:17

~Not lacking in any gift – 1 Corinthians 1:7

~God’s Temple – 1 Corinthians 6:19

~Beloved – 1 John 3:1

He’s a great and good God; we are who we are because of who He is.

~Michelle Dowdy