Adopted

Last week, I watched the movie called, “The Dropbox.”  It’s about a humble, Korean pastor named, Lee Jong-rak who provides refuge for abandoned babies in South Korea. He built a box attached to his home/orphanage where babies are safely placed by desperate mothers who have nowhere else to turn instead of abandoning them on the streets of South Korea.  

Since watching the movie, I’ve been trying to process the intensity of it all. I always have a difficult time formulating my thoughts, feelings and convictions into words . All I know is I came home with very swollen and tired eyes from crying and then bawled again while telling Jimmy all about it.  He graciously stayed home to watch the kids so I could watch it with two girlfriends. Even before watching the movie, I saw the previews and the news coverage of this amazing story. My heart was in my throat the whole time and it’s not really something I can shake off. I don’t think the Lord wants me to shake it off.

That night, I had a difficult time falling asleep. Jimmy prayed over us before going to bed and he said, “Lord, please use this constructive dissatisfaction to align us with your purpose.” After watching something intense like that, it’s easy to reassess your life and wonder what you’re doing. My sweet neighbor/spiritual sister, Adrienne gently reminded me of the ways God has been working in and through me. I’m thankful for her words on the ride home that graciously spoke this truth over my life because, in times of Godly conviction, the enemy is always there feeding us guilt and condemnation. It’s so subtle at times and difficult to see that’s what he’s doing. Guilt can only change behavior but it doesn’t bring about Christ-like transformation and actions that point towards the kingdom. Love, has to be the ultimate motivator. 

Seeing and experiencing the frailty, hurt and need of the broken human world can be overwhelming and paralyze us. We easily disregard the seemingly small tasks that could be a monumental action in the heavenly realm. I’m reminded that this inner tension and unrest is because this earth is not our home. 

But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ. Philippans 3:20

I loved this movie because it demonstrated a beautiful picture of the love our heavenly Father has for us. It showed us the hope of the gospel and the unconditional love God has for us as his adopted children. He shows us who He is in the midst of despair, brokenness and suffering.

God decided in advance to adopt us into his own family by bringing us to himself through Jesus Christ. This is what he wanted to do, and it gave him great pleasure. Ephesians 1:5

At one point in your life or another, you may have struggled with feelings of abandonment. I’m pretty sure the majority of us have. Maybe your story is of adoption or maybe you come from a broken family. Maybe your parents passed away or someone you loved decided to walk away. 

Whatever your story is, the God of the universe has adopted you into his family. You were created on purpose, for a purpose. He knows you intimately and even better than yourself because he is your maker. Nothing you have done could separate you from his love. ABSOLUTELY NOTHING. When satan feeds you lies saying you are alone and abandoned, can you cling to this truth that you are never alone because he promises to never forsake you? 

Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.” Deuteronomy 31:6

I imagine God is using this movie to stir the hearts of his sons and daughters into action. When Pastor Lee built the dropbox, he didn’t know babies would be saved. He had no idea the magnitude of this ministry. You may not adopt an orphan but we are all called to take care of widows and orphans in one way or another. If you saw the movie and are having a hard time figuring out how you can play an active role in this area, here are some practical approaches I’ve come up with. If you are already doing this, I commend and thank you for being obedient to God’s heart for your lives. 

• Adoption 
• Fostering
• Child sponsorship like Compassion International 
• There are so many people who don’t have families. Welcome those people into your home and “adopt” them into your family. Invite them over for dinner and all of the holidays when loneliness is toughest for them. 
• Serving other families who are fostering/adopting children ie:doing laundry, cooking meals for them, financial needs, etc
• Look at people around you and ask them about their stories. Be an encouragement to the brokenness seen around you. It may even be your next door neighbor. If you are broken and feel like you have nothing to give, you are actually the perfect person to do it! God has used me in my utter brokenness and my past wounds to minister to those who are hurting. Remember, God uses the weak but we are strong in Him!
• Coming up with ways to serve your community with your community. ie:local shelters, nursing homes (where you will find many widows and widowers)
• Ask God what to do! He will give you a vision and equip you to follow through if you have a willingness to listen and obey. 

These are just a few but let’s start a conversation on how we can each play a role! 

<><yuni

Jesus replied, “I tell you the truth, if you have faith and do not doubt, not only can you do what was done to the fig tree, but also you can say to this mountain, ‘Go, throw yourself into the sea,’ and it will be done. Matthew 21:21