Inspiration

There is no end to the news about those who are running for office or winning trophies or making bazillions.  There are pop stars and actors/actresses and even those who choose a life of crime making news constantly.  But, my favorite stories are about real, live, everyday, imperfect folk.  Here are a few of those that inspire me.... (don't have their permission, so using initials.  if you recognize yourself and want me to remove your snippet, let me know)

***By faith, D and TB went to Eastern Europe to bring home 2 girls who needed a family; when the girls couldn't leave someone close to them, D and T opened their hearts to another girl, V, who had been praying for a mom and dad.  D, T, and V arrive home in the US today to begin their new lives here together.  They inspire me!!

***By faith, G and SB went to EE to bring home 2 boys, one of whom they weren't sure would return with them.  They went for him anyway.  He did.  They inspire me!!

***By faith, T and JC  went to Africa last week to bring home their son. This is after a challenging month of loving two girls from EE who couldn't accept their love.  They are still giving even though grieving.  They inspire me!!

***By faith, J and ND went to EE to bring home a son.  He loves them, but loves friends there who are like family too.  He said yes, he said no, yes, and no.  They were willing at every point.  They understand how hard this has been for him.  They love him anyway.  They are coming home without him. They inspire me!!

***By faith, JB and JH went to EE for their daughter.  They brought her home.  She has changed her mind and wants to go back.  They have given all they are to her for each day of her life with them.  Her life has been changed forever, no matter where she lives.  They inspire me!!

***By faith, the H family called more than 80 adoption agencies before they found one who'd help them get their daughter home.  But they found one!  They inspire me!!

***By faith, B and JC told their story on facebook.  They hosted and then adopted a girl from EE.  We saw their story, hosted too, and are now adopting.  They inspired us!!

***By faith, many boys, girls, young men, and young women choose to accept new families who offer love through adoption - even though they have suffered so much with their current or earlier families.  They are willing to trust and to hope and to give up the little that they have to try again, to start fresh.  They inspire me!!

And there are SO many more!!!  

In the Bible, there is a section called Hebrews.  In chapter 11, there is a list of men and women who lived very differently from those around them - Noah, Abraham, Enoch, Rahab......  God used them to do amazing things.  By the way, they had "issues" - a prostitute; killed by a brother; liar; adulterer - to mention a few.  What they, and the people on my list, have in common, is that they allowed/are allowing their lives, despite their issues, to be shaped by God - no matter the cost and no matter the consequences.   They inspire me!!