At the beginning of my life, I was adopted into a Christian home. At the time, my adopted parents were also foster parents. This had influenced my faith tremendously.
The main thing that has impacted me from my parents’ example, is the way it taught me to accept and love those who are different from me, even at a young age. This lesson still impacts my life to this very day and I am thankful for what they have taught me.
I also noticed how fostering is similar to mentoring or shepherding, in a sense. From observing my parents, they wanted what was best for the youth in their care. They wanted to make a positive impact on their lives. They aimed to help these youth create a better outlook on life by showing them that there are people out there who care for and love them for who they are.
In my faith journey, I have seen many times where this lesson has come up. Because of this lesson, I wear my heart on my sleeve, as some would say. One of my goals in life is to love others just as Christ loves us. I also want the people I come across to know that they are loved and cared for by the One who created them. Remember, we are God’s creation, His masterpiece no matter what.
In God’s Word, there are many examples of how Christ loves and accepts those who are unnoticed amid the crowds. For example, think of the story of the tax collector Zacchaeus found in Luke 19:1-10. Jesus went and stayed at Zacchaeus’s house, which caused people to question and notice that Jesus was associating with a sinner. Other examples could be the parable of the lost sheep found in Luke 15:3-7 and in Matthew 18:12-14, or even the story of Jesus letting the children come to Him, despite the disciples’ protests (Matthew 19:13-15).
What I am trying to say is this: I am thankful for the example of my parents fostering different youth for years. It helped give me a sense of who God wanted me to become. His daughter, His warrior, who cares for those whom others dismiss or overlook.
My advice would be: do not be afraid to be bold and reach out to those who you see in the crowds who are going unnoticed or being looked down upon by others. Instead, go to them and show them Christ’s love through your actions.
God’s Daughter in Training 