Has God Been with You?

How has God worked in your life through adoption?

Recognition for Adoption

I am an adopted child, who has, and recently is in the process of adopting a child. I find that I long for, and still do, recognition. For some reason, I need to be recognized for what I have done or accomplished, and it is with certain people, in the community or church, that I need that from, and I don't know why. I pray against it, I pray for God to take that from me, and that the only recognition that I need is from Him. - Lori

Lori,

Thank you for asking such an honest question. Very few of us who feel the way you do would have the courage to ask such a question. Hopefully others will make comments that will be helpful.

It is not unusual to want recognition for the good things we have done. It becomes a problem when we think that unless we are recognized, what we have accomplished has no meaning. Also, when we feel that it is about what we have done, instead of what God is doing through us. This was a problem Jesus addressed in the Sermon on the Mount.

However, your need for recognition is probably because of an adoptee's sense of being rejected. If it is not on a conscious level, it may be in the subconscious. By recognizing and accepting rejection, then you are are able to work through this negative emotion.

Rejection<--------------------------------------------->Acceptance

Recognition may be the response you have received in the past that has helped you deny or minimize your feelings of rejection. Sherrie Eldridge addresses this issue in her book, Twenty Life Transforming Choices Adoptees Need to Make.

Adopting a child is a precious gift to the child and for the person who adopts. It is reciprocal. The most important recognition is by God as one of his children, and by your children who say, "I love you!"

What do you think? Leave your comments so we can all be blessed!