I’m excited to share a reader’s story of intentional living, following our theme of #Live2015 this year. Jeannine Williams is a reader of this blog in Illinois, and she emailed me this story, and I’m sharing it with her permission. Thank you, Jeannine, for your obedience!
“My husband and I attend a church that has a lot of families who either foster or adopt. One of our friends started a ministry for
this area called “Chosen”, and it’s been amazing to watch the past few years. For the longest time my husband (Rick) & I saw this as something we would support our friends in, but didn’t feel the call to adoption.
this area called “Chosen”, and it’s been amazing to watch the past few years. For the longest time my husband (Rick) & I saw this as something we would support our friends in, but didn’t feel the call to adoption. Then in November our pastor delivered a very impacting sermon in honor of Adoption Awareness month. Two things in his sermon caught my attention. First, he was talking about when Stephen was martyred, and how Jesus stood up in response to Stephen’s actions; that Jesus wasn’t just sitting at the right hand of God as He was normally depicted.
Second, our pastor said we have a duty to at least ask questions, to look into an area of service. During that service, I couldn’t get the thoughts out of my mind that we have an extra bedroom, and that when my daughter asks why we don’t adopt a little boy that my friend is fostering, my answer really came down to the fact that it would be hard and inconvenient.
My husband runs the soundboard for service, so when church was over I found him & told him I had to talk to him. The same thoughts were running through his head!! So, after talking & praying with friends, we have started the process of becoming licensed foster parents. We want to provide love for kids who need love & security, and hopefully see families heal and come back together. At this point our goal isn’t adoption, so we’ll have to be praying to make sure we’re following God’s lead. We start classes next week. I’m excited and very nervous. But, I’m at peace – we’re following God’s lead and being intentional. Doesn’t get any better than that, right?”
I’m excited for Jeannine as she has opened her heart and home to kids who need a safe place. These kids are close to my heart because I work with kids as a school counselor who are in foster care or who are in and out of foster care while they are in my school. Let’s pray together for Jeannine, her family, and the children they will have.
Jeannine’s prayer requests: That our family doesn’t lose sight of God’s purpose for us when the challenges come, that we are able to adapt and show love & acceptance to whoever joins our family.
About Jeannine: I’m married to a patient and gracious man, Rick, and we have 2 kids – Matthew is in 8th grade, and Amanda is in 7th grade. I work full-time as a business analyst/project manager. We are active in our home church, where I lead a small group in our women’s bible study program and also help with the Jr. High ministry. This is my last year with Jr High, though, as I’m not sure I’ll be able to devote that extra time when we start fostering.
What about you, readers?
What is God asking you to do outside your comfort zone?
How is He calling you to live in bold ways this year? How can you trust Him to do that?
I’d love to hear your stories, too!
I am Jeannine’s father and I cannot begin to tell you how proud and loving I feel as I read this. Tears of joy and thankfulness cloud my eyes as I write.
Wow!
Thank you so much! I am so excited to see what God will do!