The People Who Raised Me
A couple weeks ago as I was interviewing with a radio station, something struck me…
Although my personality/way I respond to things is partially from genetics…it mainly has to do with how I was raised. The 2 people who raised me; Warren and Barbara, taught me to embrace every situation as an opportunity to TRUST God and show people his love and mercy…although my parents are not perfect, I watched them for 21 years shower people with love and respond to each circumstance that they found themselves in (good AND bad) with gratefulness, humility and love. They saw EVERY situation as an opportunity for God to USE THEM, and admitted that “This is not about us, it’s about God shining through us.”
As I was thinking about all of this…I realized that if I had been raised differently, I probably wouldn’t have responded to the news my birth mother told me last year…I may have been angry at her, I may have blamed her for the problems I had as a baby, I may have felt guilty for surviving…
The only reason I can think of that I actually responded the way I did (I love her, forgive her, sympathize with her, and Im grateful for this opportunity to let God use my story of survival in people’s lives) is because of the 2 people who raised me. They raised me as a Christian and helped me humble myself to know that these is always a bigger picture that God has planned for us…and our lives/the events in our lives are just part of God’s big puzzle.
I am grateful for ADOPTION and I am grateful that God gave me the parents He did who taught me how to respond to situations that are not ideal. God is using my story for His glory…it’s amazing and I’m proud to say it’s out of my hands 
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Claire< You are truly a blessed young lady. God is using you for so many reasons right now. I am thankful enough to get to read your story. God is truly Amazing. I know you are doing this for His Glory and never for your own purposes. Adoption is a wonderful blessing for so many parents out there that want to Love God's children. Bless you and Amen. Kelly
Lauren Claire…I’m teary-eyed as I read your account above. It’s so hard to be a parent and to watch your kids hurt and/or struggle. Thanks for honoring your Mom and Dad. I know how much they love you and Rachel. I’m so encouraged by how the Lord is unfolding your amazing story. You are Something Special!
Rachel, What a beautiful tribute to your adoptive parents. It takes so much to be a parent and it doesn’t matter that you are not their biological daughter. God knew what your birth mother would do and so He chose these beautiful people to raise you and love you. You are a very blessed woman and they are blessed to have you. God made you as a gift to them. Your testimony is such an inspiration. God Bless You!!
Hi Claire!
Yes, it is good and wise to give credit to your amazing parents! You have realized something so important – “Our kids don’t do as we say…they do as we do!” We are all influencing others every minute – all the more with our children!
Your “respone” to your birth mother and her news to you was so amazing – but the thing that really came across in your interview was the fact that you didn’t have to THINK about how to respond to the news; to your birth mother; to what was for her probably the single scariest thing she could ever face. Your “response” was who you are. THAT is amazing. Your parents have done an extraordinary job with you. AND YOU have made extraordinary choices, too! It is a pleasure to get to know you and your family, Claire! Hugs, Pam
What a blessing all of you are! God is SOOO GOOD!
What a sincere and touching tribute to your parents, LC!! I loved reading it and getting to see you the other day at Koppe Bridge. Looking forward to seeing you around CS this summer and fall!
Claire, this is a beautiful tribute to your parents. I’m so encouraged by your life and blessed to have been a recipient of your parents’ love, as well.
Precious Claire, What a joy to read your blogs! As an adoptive mom myself, it does my heart good to read your thoughts regarding the sweet parents with whom the Lord blessed you. You are a beautiful example of God’s love, and I thank Him for allowing me to get to know you!
You are truly an inspiring woman. I am so motivated by you and your words. Praying God showers you with blessing and opens doors you never knew even existed!
God bless your parents for all they have taught you, by word and example—-
You are the fruit of their labours
Beautiful!
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