Daly Focus Blog
Can you open your heart to a child who needs a family?
If you answered no, you’re not alone. Many couples wrestle with whether or not they should adopt, or if there’s some other part they should play.
That was how Mike and Kristen Berry’s story began.
Kristen assumed she and Mike would adopt children when they married. Adoption was Kristen’s family legacy. Her grandfather and his brother grew up in the foster care system, but they were never adopted.
Yesterday, March 21st, was World Down Syndrome Day, a day to raise global awareness about Down syndrome and to celebrate the vital role people with Down syndrome play in our lives and in our communities.
In recognition, our radio program is featuring the story of one couple who found God’s grace through adoption … in an unusual and remarkable way.
Heather and Josh Avis walked a long, difficult journey through infertility. “Why not us?” was their anguished question.
Several colleagues and I were in Washington D.C. last week for our Evangelicals for Life Conference along with the annual March for Life.
A few observations:
Last week’s massive March for Life rally on the Mall unfolded in familiar fashion. Just before noon, pro-life stalwarts from every state convened to stand in solidarity, many of them carrying signs declaring life as the better choice. It was the 45th consecutive gathering and the longest-running demonstration of its kind.
If I handed a baby to you, the infant would likely snuggle face first into your shoulder for comfort.
That’s not how it was with my colleague John Fuller’s youngest son. They adopted him when he was nine months old. Even as a baby, he would physically turn away when he was held. He’d accept chest-to-chest and back-to-chest snuggles, but never face-to-face.
That’s how deep attachment issues in adopted children can run. Many children who have lost their parents in some fashion suffer from a sense of rejection and lack of emotional connection that reaches to their soul.
As one who grew up an orphan, I applaud the leadership of the House of Representatives and the Ways and Means Committee for the action taken today to restore the Adoption Tax Credit (ATC). Our friends and listeners responded to our calls to contact members of Congress and amend the initial proposal. In turn, our elected officials have heeded our plea.
The ATC is a vital tool supporting the life-affirming and life-saving act of adoption. It is a crucial part of a pro-life and pro-family policy agenda.
Last month Focus on the Family was proud to be part of the nationwide theatrical release of “MULLY,” an award-winning docudrama that shares the inspiring true story of Charles Mully.
More than 100,000 people around the country showed up to watch Mully overcome personal tragedy and poverty to achieve wealth and power – only to give it all up to help rescue more than 12,000 children living on the streets of Kenya.
And now, “MULLY” is back for an encore showing on Thursday, Nov.
Yesterday’s release of the Republican’s “Tax Cuts and Job Act” fulfills a long-anticipated campaign promise dating back to 2016. At 429 pages, the proposed legislation is still being carefully reviewed and assessed, but we’ve learned enough about it to offer an initial reaction.
First, I’m grateful for tax reform and tax cuts for the middle class. In the current proposal, the Child Tax Credit will go to $1600 from $1000, plus an additional $300 credit for each parent and non-child dependent.
I know what you’re probably thinking.
The headline of this post is a bit much. It’s a bridge too far. A significant overstatement.
Sure, you have a great deal of respect for adoption and adoptees, but has the institution of adoption really changed your life and the way you live?
After all, the odds are pretty good that you weren’t adopted. Just between two and three percent of American children are.
Maybe you know somebody who was adopted – or whose family adopted.
Terrie and Cal’s son is 38. Their oldest daughter is 34. Abbey, their youngest, is 12.
That’s right – 12.
How did that happen? Well, it’s quite a story. It’s something of a miracle, too. Not a medical miracle, but the sort of miracle made possible by adoption.
Before she stepped into Terrie and Cal’s lives, Abbey was removed from her biological mother at a young age, then cycled through a revolving door of adoptive families, foster parents, and residential treatment centers for adolescents.
I’m delighted to share a big announcement: Focus on the Family is the major promotional partner for the award-winning docudrama “MULLY.”
This powerful film tells the story of Dr. Charles M. Mully, a man who gave up riches and power to help the 2.6 million abandoned children living on the streets in Kenya, Africa, rescuing 12,000. The movie’s themes of selflessness, service, and the intrinsic worth of every child drew us to this film – and I know they’ll reverberate in your heart, too.
Jim Daly is a husband, father and President of Focus on the Family and host of its National Radio Hall of Fame broadcast. His blog, Daly Focus, is full of timely commentary and wisdom designed to help you navigate and understand today’s culture. His latest book is Marriage Done Right.
