So today, I'm stepping up and blogging a blog post I never thought I would have to write. You see recently Pat Robertson spoke out and said, "...you never know about adopted children; they might have brain damage and grow up weird.” This was in response to a woman who sent in a question about a man who would not marry her because she has adopted children.
To all of you reading this out there, I want to say, I'm sorry. I'm sorry that someone who represents himself as a Christian can sit there and say such a heartless statement. I'm sorry that this man who has a platform to represent Christ, isn't following God's own example. After all, doesn't God adopt each and every one of us as His sons, His daughters? After all, didn't God show us the perfect example of adoption in sending His son to earth to be adopted into Joseph's family? Please, if you are reading this, know that this is not how God views adoption.
To Pat (if you are reading this, and I hope you do). How dare you use one example, one example to explain away adoption and why no one should do it. Is it hard? Yes. Is there abuse in some cases? Yes. Neglect in others? Yes. Is it always going to be rosy and perfect? No, no, no.
But you know what Pat, someone could have easily said the same situation with a biological child. So maybe, according to your advice, we just shouldn't have any children at all. For after all, you just never know how they might turn out to be.
Pat, take a good look at this little girl. She is mine. Not by blood. She is adopted. We are different in every way possible. But come spend a day with us and you will find that she is not weird, she does not have brain damage just because she is adopted. In fact, I would venture to guess that you could spend a day with any adopted family and find out how very wrong your words are.
If adoption has taught me one thing, it is this; being adopted does not make you who or what you are. Instead adoption is a piece of the larger puzzle that God has designed for us. And if it wasn't for this little girl, our current puzzle would not be complete.
And I can't stay silent. The world needs to hear both sides. Thus, I'm setting the truth straight on adoption.
AMEN to this blog...It is a complete shame that he said that....Some of the most awesome and talented kids I know are adopted!!!
ReplyDeleteVanessa, I am so proud to call you my friend. I applaud you for ever being a champion for your children as well as everyone else's by speaking with grace, wisdom, and bravery about so many things that make so many people uncomfortable. You inspire so many...thank you for being you!
ReplyDeleteAs a fellow Christian, I am insulted by hearing this from someone who reaches so many people. Adoption is a wonderful way to give so many children a chance in life to grow up in a home. I applaud all who have adopted children. The youth pastor and his wife from our church have adopted 5 children from the same family in Columbia. It is so special! Too bad you can't just send a letter or e-mail directly to Pat Robertson.
ReplyDeleteThank you ladies! I appreciate your support. While he did issue an apology, I still felt like his words (whether or not it is right or not), should be held to a higher standard because of the platform he is on. In a way, it seemed too little too late! :(
ReplyDeleteI just found this blog post through a friend's blog. I had not heard about this before, but I am absolutely appalled! Bless you and other parents for not just "ministering to orphans" but giving them a permanent and loving home. I do think that you are right, that people in positions of leadership should be held to a higher standard, and I know also that no matter what happens here, he will have to stand before the Lord and be held accountable for this and any other misrepresentations. Take care and God bless!
ReplyDeleteThank you Lisa Joy for your encouragement and sharing here! <3
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