Adopted

One day (Lord willing...), I would love to adopt a child and raise them as my own...giving them a second chance at life....I would love to be a foster parent but don't know if I could deal with the emotions that come with letting go when I would have to...those that know me can tell you that I get emotionally invested in all of my relationships and friendships...

Choo-Choo's baby shower!  

Adoption is so special...it literally means that you are choosing another human being to belong to you....you take them in as your very own child....you raise them, love them, nurture them, teach them, feed them, clothe them, etc.

We live in a world that is so quick to reject us when we don't fit into the mold of society because we aren't pretty enough, skinny enough, rich enough or whatever else enough. We live in a world that's caught up in the glitz and glamour of perfection....because after all, "practice makes perfect..." right? Sometimes we even reject ourselves....we secretly battle with this inner sense of guilt and self-rejection for not measuring up to the standards society has set for us....or even the standards we have set for ourselves. We fall short according to society and fall into a vicious cycle of internally and mentally beating ourselves up...digging ourselves deep into a pit of self-hatred and condemnation.

Some of my close friends!

One thing I can say that I'm thankful for is the opportunity to grow in finding my identity in the Lord rather in this world. I may not be where I want to be, but I'm certainly not where I used to be. Some of things that used to break me are now some of the very things that help make me. They make me stronger and so grateful. I used to be an incredibly jealous person...I would be insecure if people did anything without me and would be sick to my stomach over it wondering if they really liked me or not...but  jealousy no longer consumes me, it no longer weighs me down....my contentment has been found in Jesus and He has placed some of the most amazing people in my life. He has proven Himself to be faithful even when the going gets tough....even when I fall short and don't deserve His grace, yet He freely gives it.

Don't be fooled by my highlight reel

 I may not measure up to what society expects of me, but God has adopted me as His own...chosen me...and is raising me. I belong to HIM....not this world or the things in this world. I'm thankful that this opportunity is made available to each and every single person here on this earth. If you have a pulse, you have a purpose....so don't quit...don't quit on yourself. This world needs YOU. I need you. We need each other.

XOXO
Beth