Yes (NHBO Post)

We say yes. 

We say yes to adoption. 
Not because we are
ready,
gutsy,
extra loving,
secure,
or financially capable.

We say yes to adopting children with special needs. 
Not because we arestrong,
capable,
patient,
knowledgeable,
or prepared.

We say yes to adopting children with developmental delays.
Not because we arecompetent,
gentle,
even tempered,
brave,
or undaunted.

We say yes to adopting medically complex children.
Not because we arefearless,
equipped,
trained,
heroic,
or energetic.

We say yes to adopting multiple children.
Not because we have
an extra bedroom,
a big house,
a jumbo van,
an unlimited bank account,
or parenting expertise.

We say yes to adopting older children. 
Not because we are
qualified,
unafraid,
up to it,
secure,
or valiant.

We say yes to orphan ministry.
Not because we are
noble,
well planned,
efficient,
selfless,
or adequate.

We say yes to hosting orphans. 
Not because we
like stepping beyond our comfort zones,
have free time,
are adventurous,
or won’t be heartbroken at goodbye.

Rather, we say yes because we are expectant.  Though we tremble, we expect God to take our yeses, redeem the broken, and weave a great story.

The truth is, we might possess a few of the characteristics that the world would deem worthy reasons to say yes to adoption, orphan ministry or orphan hosting.  But, for the most part, we know ourselves to be timid, weak, ill equipped, messy and wavering.  We waffle in our decision-making and fail in our parenting.  We have every reason to say no.   

But here is the glory part.  When we utter even the weakest yes, we find God to be big.  Bigger than we once thought.  Bigger than our lack.  Bigger than our doubt.  Bigger than the needs before us.  Bigger than we can comprehend.  Bigger.  And He proves Himself good, steady, intentional, on time, able, strong, and sovereign.

So we take our small, mustard seed size faith, combine it with what we know to be true about God, and say yes.

Read the rest over at No Hands But Ours.