Story of Hope

By Hope Brace 

I was born May 30, 2002. My birth mom was an alcoholic, an addict, and had been in and out of jail my whole life, but thankfully God had a plan. He allowed me to have two Godly people who loved the Lord, to adopt a child who was at the time their niece. My birth mom and mom are sisters! With my birth mom being in and out, my mom, who was once my aunt, took care of me quite often. Little did we know they would adopt me just a few years later when I was 3. 

Being adopted was one of the best things to ever happen to me. Even though my birth mom didn't make the best life choices, by signing that paper and giving up her rights, she gave me my best chance in life. 

My parents are some of the most amazing, godly people you could ever meet. They were foster parents for many years and have 4 children, 2 of which are adopted. My dad is a pastor and my mom was a homemaker for many years. 

A year ago, something I never thought I'd have to experience at this age, happened to me. My mom, who I was very close to, passed away from stage 4 lung cancer that spread in her body. It was SO DIFFICULT and still is, but through prayers and with God's guidance, I am getting through. I didn't understand how this could be God's plan, but I am trying to.

With each new season of life comes change. After the passing of my mom came great grief and sorrow, but even in mourning God faithfully provides opportunity. My dad met a wonderful lady and Jesus shines through her. As their relationship grew, they knew that God had brought them together for a reason and they were able to share each others struggles and joys. This relationshiphas also meant a new adventure, a new family when they married.  

One thing in particular that stands out to me in my adoption is, even though my parents already had three other kids, were getting older, and weren't in the greatest financial state they cared enough about me to adopt me. Even though I wasn't their flesh and blood, they still wanted me and put my need before their own. I am so grateful to them. It brings to my mind how Jesus shows us selfless love even when we don't deserve it. 

I want to be able to have that kind of love. As I grow older and hopefully have a family of my own someday, I pray that I have the opportunity to adopt a child and provide a family who really cares about them and will lead them to Jesus. Some people are not as fortunate as I was to be adopted by such a wonderful family. Some are put into the foster care system, never get adopted and age out. My heart hurts for them. I can't imagine it. I have been so blessed and that blessing makes me want to be able to reach out and help.

This is my story of hope. I want to share it so that people can see how wonderful adoption trulycan be. I pray my sharing can encourage someone who is adopted and struggling with sharing or opening up about it.

Thank you Jesus for adoption, my parents, and my wonderful life. All the glory belongs to you!