Our heads were spinning that first night with so many unknowns, so we did what we knew how to do. We changed Ben, fed him, rocked him to sleep, and prayed.
Foster Care
“When I first entered care, my faith in God was very low, but when I moved with a foster family, they completely opened my perspective to God. We prayed every night at dinner, and they introduced me to my church youth group.” – Morgan, a former foster child.
Jason Johnson shares stories from his own foster parenting journey, such as the hard decisions and processes that he and his wife have had to go through, including the very real issues that come with relating to the birth parents of the children they are fostering.
“A child born to another woman calls me Mom. The magnitude of that tragedy and the depth of that privilege is not lost on me.” -Jody Landers
Mother’s Day, perhaps more than any other holiday, brings forth a host of emotions for each of us. Women hold the power to create and take life, and the bond between a mother and child is one of the most powerful forces that God created. The Lord designed a woman to be a vessel for …
In my heart, I believed that we would be a family free from the clutches of poverty, abuse, and mental illness. Those problems couldn’t coexist with me in the house I was building.
The lifelong impact of ACEs is clearly significant, and I think it is something we should be talking about more.
The impact of trauma on children is significant. The first three years of a child’s life create their blueprint for life. Children are vulnerable and unable to meet their own needs during their early years. When a child’s needs are met by a caring, consistent, and calm adult, the child attaches and thrives. In contrast, …
No one else had told us about the long-term effects of trauma on children’s brains, behavior, and belief systems.
If you are fortunate, your childhood fortified you with unconditional love, nurturing, protection and provision. Childhood should provide the reserves of love to build confidence and a sense of self necessary to meet the challenges of life as an adult. If you grew up missing any of these components, you might struggle to cope. The …
The call is often not made to report child abuse. People are sure someone else has already called it in. Or they don’t want to get someone in trouble, or are afraid they will not retain anonymity.
If you are a parent, grandparent, aunt, uncle, teacher, or your life intersects with children in any way, you must think and talk about child abuse.
People stop in their tracks when they encounter Embrace’s Portraits of Hope gallery on display in their church. Dozens of canvas portraits capture the spirit and personality of each unique child. This traveling exhibit is an incredible tool to find adoptive families for children but also confronts the viewer with the heartbreaking reality of children lingering in …
After spending time in a children’s home and years in the care of a few foster families, Nick was now 18. He was “free” to choose his path. He was now accountable to no one: he could live where he wanted and do what he wanted. No rules, no deadlines, no obligations to attend church, …
“Every kid is one caring adult away from being a success story.” – Josh Shipp
It’s amazing the relationships that have been born out of the Socialight program.
Two questions arise for followers of Jesus Christ: What are we called to do? And how can we do it?
When I speak to adults about the effects of aging out of foster care, I often start with a question. “When you turned 18, did you still need your parents?” The answer is always a resounding “yes!” Most young adults, or “transitional age youth,” are eager for independence. However, they still rely on their parents …
There is a special place in my heart for helping youth find connections that will last a lifetime and prevent homelessness.
I would like for you to consider becoming a mentor to a child in foster care as they enter their teenage years and begin to face the reality of aging out of foster care as a young adult. I know that you’re likely hesitant to enter into the life of a child who may have …
