All Raven knew about life was her childhood in a group home. Read her story from WKRC Action 5 News, Campbell County, Kentucky: Principal adopts student who was sent to his office to be reprimanded.
While undergoing a radiological exam, the young radiologist and I conversed some years ago.
She, the radiologist, disclosed her adoption, sadness in her tone. Her adoptive parents loved her and treated her well. The source of sadness was the thought that she had been rejected and thrown away by her natural mother. Although her adoptive parents dearly love her, she retained a sense of having been rejected, discarded, and abandoned.
From the young woman’s point of view, she was somewhat of a lesser person due to a perceived rejection by her birth mother.
There was an opportunity to explain the unique nature of adoption.
The word adopt is from two Latin words, ad optare, meaning “to choose.”
As we continued our brief conversation, she learned the meaning of adoption: she was chosen. Adopted children hold a special place in law. Unlike a natural-born child who can be disinherited, an adopted child can never be disinherited.
But when the fullness of time came, God sent forth His Son, born from a woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, that we might receive the adoption as sons. And because you are sons, God has sent forth into our hearts the Spirit of His Son, crying, “Abba, Father!” — Galatians 4:4-6 MEV
When the radiological session ended, I dressed and headed toward the hospital exit. As I walked, I heard a voice calling me. The young radiologist ran up to me to thank me for our conversation. Her countenance had changed. She said, “I want you to know that what I learned from you has changed my life.”
All who have been born again into the family of the Living God are adopted sons and daughters of God. We can never be disinherited.
He predestined us to adoption as sons to Himself through Jesus Christ according to the good pleasure of His will, to the praise of the glory of His grace which He graciously bestowed on us in the Beloved. — Ephesians 1:5-6 MEV
A child of the Living God can never be disinherited.
Raven’s story can be your story.
Deus caritas est.
John White
Rockwall, Texas
John N. White 