two sides of a story

So often in life we are only able to see one side of a story.  It is generally the side we are experiencing or the one the people closest to us are walking through.  Lately I have been reminded that there are always two sides of a story.

When it comes to the adoption, you hear our side of the story.  It is the one we know, so we can share our experience.  Right now, I feel that it is important to remember that there is another side of this adoption story. 

There is a family in Ethiopia that is facing incredibly challenging situations.  I can only guess what they are experiencing as they are contemplating adoption.  It means this child will leave their homeland, their culture, their language, and their family…is it worth the cost?  Do the benefits out way our cost?  These are hard questions.   

There is no way for us to understand how God is moving in Ethiopia to arrange the adoption.  One thing I know is that God has placed a burden on my heart to pray for the birth family.  I want so badly for them to understand the love of Christ and experience His Peace in the midst of the circumstances.  I probably won’t ever understand what it feels like to have their side of this adoption story…but I know God intimately wants to pour out His love on them in the midst of these circumstances. 

I know this blog is not about the warm fuzzy feelings we like to have about adoption.  I have been reminded that God can use challenging situations and make beauty out of ashes.  That is the true beauty of adoption; whether it is our adoption by God to be His sons or daughters … or this adoption story.

I ask you to pray for both sides of our adoption story.  The side in Ethiopia does not have a public voice, but they have needs that only the living God can meet.