Shawn Rapier: Adoption & How I Learned Love is Unconditional

Shawn never dreamed as a kid struggling with ADD that someday he would adopt 6 children. He humorously shares the struggles, joys and perspective he's learned from parenthood.

Episode Discussion

• What it was like Living with ADD in the 1970’s and 1980’s and how he wasn’t doing well in school.
• How using technology has helped Shawn with his ADD (reminders, alarms, emails, EverNote, etc)
• Why it is important to not use challenges as a crutch.
• Why his home is “dysfunction junction.”
• The amazing story of adopting six children and having two biological children
• How his parenting perspective has changed, and how God has an eternal perspective.
• To change perspectives and “let go” of expectations he had to break and realize he really has no control of his kids.
• When Shawn “broke” and went through a super-rough period, he realize the answer was focusing more on Christ to help and heal.
• The “he is mine” answer which changed Shawn’s perspective.
• How two principles can exist at the same time: God is all knowing and things are out of control.
• Why learning to respect agency is so important.
• Love is the antidote to hate and anger and cannot be used as a weapon or tool.
• Never say something you can’t take back.
• Good question to ask: Did I make peace in my home?

My Favorite Shawn Quotes About Love

• “All we can do is show an increase of love and trust God to do the rest.”
• “Love is not a temporary thing.”
• “Love is to be given freely.”
• “Forgiveness breeds love.”
• “Decide to love and don’t give up.”
• “If you want love, give it and give it unconditionally.”
• “They can’t outrun our love!”

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Transcription

You can find the transcription of today's podcast here:

www.tamarakanderson.com/podcasts/shawn-rapier-adoption-how-i-learned-love-is-unconditional