Day 5: Protecting the Heart

Sometimes, people don’t know what to say to adoptive families, and their words can create awkward or even painful moments. Comments like, “Is he really your son?” or “I thought you were the nanny,” or “Oh! No wonder they don’t look like you,” can sting.

One day, my son came home from school feeling frustrated. I asked him what had happened, and he explained that some kids at school were saying, “People must not love their kids if they give them up for adoption.”

I asked him, “What did you say?”

He exclaimed, “I told them my birth mom is the bravest woman I know and that she loved me so much she chose adoption!”

I hugged him and told him how proud I was of him.

Adoptees have a unique journey and life experience. No matter how hard we try, we cannot shield them from moments like these.

Different types of adoption bring different levels of trauma and loss to work through. Being placed in a loving family doesn’t erase the pain or loss adoptees may feel. Adoption is part of their identity and life-long journey.

Prayer is one of the most powerful ways to love and support the children God has entrusted to you. When your child has interactions that cause hurt or pain, pray with them and teach them how to invite the Lord into painful moments so that they experience the love, comfort, and healing of God.

Prayer for the Parents

Heavenly Father,

Please protect the heart of this precious child. Keep it safe from fear, hurt, and sadness. Fill their heart with Your love so they always know they are chosen, wanted, and deeply cherished. Surround them with people who will encourage and care for them.

Help them to trust You, to feel secure, and to grow with hope and joy. Guard their heart, Lord, and let Your peace live there always. Guard their mind so they can rest in the truth of who You say they are and not who the world says they are. May Your truth reign over their hearts and minds.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Prayers for the Child

Dear God,

Please keep my heart safe.
Fill it with Your love so I always know I am chosen and special in Your eyes.
Help me feel happy, peaceful, and brave.
Thank You for always being with me.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.