Isaiah 41:10 NIV “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
Have you ever had a relationship so deeply satisfying it felt like the answer to a longing you’d carried your whole life — a longing you couldn’t even fully name until it was finally met?
This can be the miracle of adoption.
That child,
- whether a blanketed newborn,
- a fearless toddler chasing seagulls down the beach,
- an elementary schooler sprinting toward new friends on the playground,
- an amazing middle schooler or even
- a guarded teenager who steals your heart before you see it coming, that child becomes yours.
From the crown of his, her or their head to the soles of their feet: completely, irrevocably, joyfully yours.
Until, one day, they’re not.
A family I know is living this right now.
They adopted two sons from different families. Recently, one of those boys, their oldest, was adopted by a member of his biological family.
A tremendous outcome for him. A devastating rupture for them.
Here is the cruelty of this particular grief: it has no sanctioned form. This family feels as though they cannot lament their loss, as it were, “out loud.”
They smile as they suffer silently, secretly.
No one brings casseroles. No one sends flowers. Their son is alive, loved, cherished even if not by them, not anymore.
A younger brother has lost his closest companion: no more rough housing and running when walking would get you there but without the exquisite excitement of being chased.
A family has been hollowed out by a loss for which the world doesn’t have adequate language.
This grief is real. And, though unseen by most, God sees. He does not dismiss their sorrow. The LORD does not dismiss your sorrow.
The same God who spoke to a trembling Israel speaks to fainting hearts today including yours: Do not fear. I am with you. I will hold you up.
Not a platitude. A promise. God’s promises are rock solid, safe ground.
If you or someone you know is navigating the hidden grief of adoption loss, you are not alone — and your pain is not invisible to God.
Psalm 34:18 The Lord is close to the brokenhearted
and saves those who are crushed in spirit.
Be Encouraged!
Kimberly
Help! Love, MOM 
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