Welcome to the Called to Love Podcast! 

In this episode, I am joined by the amazing and inspiring Jamie Finn. Jamie is an author and busy mom to both biological and adopted children, and their family has been fostering for years. She is also the founder and president of Foster the Family, a national nonprofit that serves vulnerable children and the families welcoming them, as well as the founder of the Filled Gathering, the largest gathering of foster and adoptive moms in the world. 

Together, we discuss adopting children from foster care. There is a huge stigma against foster kids, being labeled as “problematic” and an underlying fear that you can’t handle their pain and trauma. There is also the fear of becoming attached to a foster child only for them to be reunified, even though reunification is the first priority of foster care. There are many more fears and apprehensions, so how do we face them as Christians, standing on God’s Word and His calling for us to care for “the least of these”? 

One big point is we are all called to love these kids, but that doesn’t mean everyone is called to adoption or fostering. You can start by supporting those who already are! This may be a small thing but it is huge to the families who desperately need this support and community. And if God does call you into this, you may find yourself with support and community because you served others. Another key point Jamie and I discuss is surrendering to God in this calling. You have no control over what happens and that may be scary but it strengthens your faith. There is also so much beauty in adoption because God has adopted us. 

Here are a few key takeaways: 

• Foster care is a mission that requires commitment.
• Fear is a natural response to the unknown in foster care.
• Preparation is key, but you can never be fully ready.
• Reunification is the priority, but permanency is also important.
• Grief is a complex emotion in foster care.
• God's love is constant, even in brokenness.
• Community support is essential for foster families.
• Surrendering control is a part of the journey.
• Children need to see a model of unconditional love. 

Connect more with Jamie on Instagram or her website. 

Check out Jamie’s book: Foster the Family: Encouragement, Hope, and Practical Help for the Christian Foster Parent

Check out Jamie’s new book for foster kids: God Loves Kids: A Gospel-Centered Book About Foster Care

You can check out Christian Parenting’s gift guide by clicking here. 

You can email me your questions about adoption and foster care at [email protected]. I'd love to connect with you on Instagram or send you my monthly newsletter with free resources and first access to episodes and more!