Beautiful Life





Hey child up and go; A big world is out there waiting for us to live in every day. Outside you will find, there is love all around you; Takes you, makes you wanna' say; That it's a beautiful life and it's a beautiful world and it's a beautiful time to be here, to be here, to be here. -Fisher

Saturday, March 20, 2010

The Voice of God

Part I of Why We Adopted


I honestly believe that God speaks to us in many different ways.  I hear his voice in my church, in my house, in my car.  He has spoken to me through the words of a book, the thoughts of a prophet, the advice of a friend, and in His own still small voice.  Which I have been privileged to hear. So clearly once that I could do nothing but cry at the sound of it.   I still get chills when I recall that night. 

It is part of Claire's story.  It is part of Isabel's story.  They are intertwined.  Like the stories of most sisters are.   

My first pregnancy resulted in my handsome, sweet twin boys.  My second pregnancy happened in August of 2000.  In September, I lost that baby.  It was early and I knew it happened to women all the time.  For the most part I couldn't see being upset about it.  I mean, I did have two amazing, healthy children to be thankful for.  But, one night it got the best of me.

 God had been working on me about adoption for many, many years, but I wasn't ready. Emphasis on the I word. Because of course, I'd made it about me again. 

I'd been researching it at the computer and I lost it.  Because I wanted to be pregnant.  I wanted to be pregnant one more time.  Which is exactly what I begged for.  I poured out my heart that night and begged God to let me be pregnant again. 

And in my passion, I spoke some fateful words.  Words that would come back to me....thank goodness. 

"Lord, if you will let me be pregnant just one more time, I promise I will adopt if that is what you want from me."

And God?  In His awesomeness, not only answered that prayer, but all the others I prayed during my pregnancy.     I wanted a girl.  I wanted her to be healthy.  I wanted her to be one of those happy babies that almost never cries.  I actually prayed for these things!  But, even more incredibly, God actually gave me what I wanted! 

Fast forward-It's 2006.  Isabel is 4 and Paul and I start talking about having another baby.  I'm sitting at my desk one night reading the Bible and thinking about the conversations we'd been having about babies. 
It's late.  It's quiet.  And, that is when I hear it.  A voice.  His voice.  Five words. 

You. Said. You. Would. Adopt.

6 comments:

The Source said...

Looking forward to the rest of the story!

Annie said...

That just gave me chills, Chelsea!! Beautiful!!!!

eastandwest said...

Beauty from ashes- so like our God. Can't wait to read more.

The Sharp Family said...

Don't leave me hanging! I love this story already!!!!!!! :)

Lynn said...

I love this post! God has definatly spoke to us about adoption! You see, we were done, we have 2 boys and 1 girl which we adopted from China. About a month ago he spoke to me and I knew we had to go back to China and bring another child home.


xoxo,
Lynn

Londa said...

I can so relate. I too wanted another girl. I too wanted so badly to be pregnant one last time and even though I truly believed God would grant my request He instead opened my eyes and heart to the orphaned girls in China and our world has never been the same. Incredible isn't it!