Beyond Our Differences
by: Jennifer Williams - Nov 1, 2005 - comment
Our adoption story began with the heart cry of our only son. “Dear Lord, please give me a baby brother and give homes to all the children of the world that need a forever family.” As he prayed day after day, his precious words began to stir our hearts.
After years of being unable to conceive again after our first child, my husband Jimi and I were at a crossroad. Did God want us to remain a family of three, or did He have another plan for us? God soon revealed, through the heart of our son, that He wanted our family to pursue adoption.
We made a call to Bethany Christian Services and received an application. Proceeding through the forms, we were struck by one question in particular. We were asked to identify the race of child that we wanted to adopt. We knew transracial adoption would be challenging. The possibility of racism becoming real within our own family was indeed great. We were convicted, however, that all children need a forever family.
As we prayed and sought much counsel, we looked to God’s Word for direction. Mark 9:37 spoke clearly to us. “Whoever welcomes one little child such as this in My name welcomes Me. And whoever welcomes Me does not welcome Me, but Him who sent Me.” Time and time again, God showed us through Scripture that He created all people, loves all people, and desires for us to love all people—especially His precious children.
We also learned through our adoption counselor about the tremendous need for families to adopt African American and biracial children. Granted, adoptive parents are in need for children all over the world; however, a great need exists right in our own backyard. An African American birth mother may have only a few families, if any, approved and waiting to adopt her baby. These babies often have to enter foster care while waiting for a family. Research shows that only 8 percent of all adoptions include parents and children of differing races, and the majority of these adoptions are international.
With our decision completely confirmed, we finished our application process in July 2002. Within a few weeks, we were told that an African American birth mother had chosen our family to adopt her nine-month-old son. In August 2002, Elijah came home to his forever family.
Several months later, we had the privilege of meeting his birth mother. During our visit, she shared an incredible story. Before she became pregnant she dreamed that she was holding a baby boy, sitting on a street corner in the middle of the “ghetto,” as she described it. On the other side of the street, a brilliant light shown. From that light, an angel appeared and said, “His name will be Elijah!” Elijah means, “The Lord is my God!” As with every step of our journey, God continues to reveal His purpose and plan for our family.
Today Elijah is a precious bundle of energy with a contagious smile. He has blessed our lives beyond measure! Most of all, Elijah has taught us the true meaning of love. To love your neighbor as yourself, looking beyond our differences, we find the common thread of God’s image woven into each of us.
Jennifer Williams is the wife of Jimi and the mother of two boys, Christian and Elijah. The Williams family is actively involved in ministry at Thompson Station Church in Thompson Station, Tennessee, and in their local homeschool community.
Further Learning
Learn more about: Family, Parenting, Adoption, Citizenship, Racial Reconciliation