Start with Yes- A 5 Day Foster Care and Adoption Reading PlanSample

Day 2- Community

“My family and friends don’t support our decision to foster.”

I’ve heard it too many times and it is excessively difficult when you find yourself in this place. We are so passionate and excited and sometimes, in that excitement, we have an unrealistic expectation that everyone in our world should have the same passion. And when they don’t, it’s painful. When the people you trust, doubt you, it’s hard.

I. Get. It.

I, like you, have been asked all sorts of questions and heard all the doubts—some that were valid. Questions I had already been asking myself, like, “How will this affect your daughters?” And some that were unreasonable, like a family member asking, “Are you doing this for the money?” No. No, was the answer.

But our people need to be allowed to process. Our friends and family members can have concerns. It’s ok for them to carry some fear of the unknown. Whether it comes across kind or hurtful, more often than not, the intention is good.

Here’s the skinny. Give grace. So much grace. When you humbly walk in this, your people will find you. When you vulnerably walk in this, those with the biggest doubts will often become your greatest supporters. When you intentionally walk in this, you will turn around and realize your tribe has grown.

We weren’t created to do life alone. We were created to live life in community. Foster care can be isolating, but don’t let it be. When you open yourself to this calling, the God who called you there, will also create an army of people who will lock arms with you. 

Here is the thing: this isn’t only about the foster children in your home. Of course, God will use your willingness to step into this calling, to show up in that child’s life. But there is so much more. He wants to use this experience to bring your community, your family, and you, into deeper relationship with Him.