Adoption Finalized!

I have long anticipated this day and being able to share this news. My husband and I, after a year of fostering our daughter are now legally her forever parents. We chose the name Amarissa, which means “promised of God” in Hebrew. Today the judge signed the papers. We no longer have a dark cloud hanging over our head. Praise and glory be to God for this HUGE answer to prayer. I persevered through pain to be a strong mother. I’m so grateful that I had friends and family who would not let me give up on this dream. I may be a little biased, but I think I have the sweetest daughter in the world. She was definitely worth the wait!

John the Baptist

John the Baptist is questioned by Jewish leaders as to who he is. In case John can't think on his feet, he is asked if he is the Messiah, a prophet or Elijah (John 1:19-21).

John's response strikes me.

John replies that he is a VOICE crying out in the wilderness (John 1:23).

John's response calls me to examine how I define myself.

Before my illness, my degree and employment were how I described myself. Now as a disabled individual, I have been inspired to redefine myself and think more creatively about my value. I am a daughter, a wife, and a mother. I enjoy yoga and tutoring math. However, my greatest title is "child of God". How often do I truly see myself as a child of God when I look figuratively in the mirror?

I have gone through the fire of horrific, debilitating pain. I am scarred and cinders of pain still appear. Thankfully, I have pain free days and a voice to share my experience. My goal continues to be to encourage others walking on a similar journey. I also hope to be a voice of insight to others who do not suffer from chronic pain.

An article that I recently came across that I found particular comforting used spoons to explain living with a chronic illness. See link: https://butyoudontlooksick.com/articles/written-by-christine/the-spoon-theory/

Please feel free to share your insight and encouragement.