The Spirit of Adoption
The Spirit of Adoption
For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, “Abba! Father!”
Romans 8:15 ESV
Alison (2), Leigh & Grace O’Donoghue
It’s been said that we can often identify our life’s purpose by looking back at what we were drawn to as children. We may think of the athlete, actor, or chef who felt the strong, early pull of their life’s passion. I have a pastor friend who remembers being five years old and joyfully preaching from atop a tree stump in his grandmother’s yard.
My favorite activity as a child was being Mommy to my dolls. I spent hours rocking, feeding, and caring for my babies. For most of my life when anyone asked me what I wanted to be when I grew up, my instant, earnest answer was “a mommy.”
It’s no surprise, then, that early in our marriage, my husband and I were excited to start our family. When it didn’t happen immediately, we continued to pray with expectation, trusting in God’s perfect timing. Disappointing months turned into disheartening years. Finally, one day my despair weighed heavier than my hope. I confided in my mother-in-law, the Godliest and wisest woman I knew. She pulled me into her arms, held me until the tears slowed, and tenderly took my face in her hands. “Maybe it’s time to look into adoption.” After a long night of journaling to the Lord and praying with my husband, we woke up the next day on a new hope-filled path.
Incredibly, we didn’t have to wait long. While the decision to adopt had taken years, we soon were approved and waiting. Within weeks we brought home our beautiful daughter. A tiny, perfect bundle, she woke up in our home for the first time on Sunday, May 12, 1996, a happy Mother’s Day indeed.
We never met our daughter’s biological parents, but we feel both gratitude to them and compassion for whatever circumstances contributed to their decision to place their child for adoption. Our family’s story is irrevocably tied to theirs and to the knowledge that the wound and scar that came with their selfless choice brought balm and healing to our heartache and grief.
As an adoptive mother, I’m profoundly aware of both the pain and joy of adoption. By its very nature there is loss and sacrifice, and there is healing and redemption. Adoption doesn’t happen accidentally; it is always intentional. Its impact is not only emotional and physical but sanctioned by law. With all legal authority of the courts, adoption bestows full rights to the adoptee as a beloved heir. And this is what God has given each of us. Through the beauty and brokenness of the perfect love story, God intentionally, willingly, astonishingly offers us adoption—daughter and sonship—through the death and resurrection of his Son. His suffering for our salvation. His sacrifice for our restoration. His life for ours. God moved heaven and earth for my adoption story. He moved heaven and earth for yours, too.
Abba! Father! Thank you that through your Son, Jesus, we are freed from slavery and fear, and we are welcomed as your beloved child and heir. May we always be mindful of your sacrifice and forever rejoice in your grace. Amen.
Leigh O'Donoghue
First Pres Ruling Elder & Author
