When You Are Known

When You Are Known

You know when I sit down or stand up. You know my thoughts even when I’m far away.

Kyle and I adopted three of our five children from the foster care system. They are amazing kids with incredible resilience, and yet there are traumas from their past that continue to affect them today. We have sought advice and help from professionals, understanding that we aren’t able to do this alone. After a particularly hard season of parenting where we felt very much alone, we signed up for a parenting class specifically about adopted kids and trauma. It’s humbling after parenting for so many years to recognize that you still don’t always know what to do, but we love our kids too much not to humbly seek out help.

The first night of class we sat in small groups around tables, and each person shared their story of adoption. We listened as others laid out concerns, and I found myself nodding along, often with a whispered, “Me too.” We were then given tools by the trainer to help us in our parenting, as well as reminders and explanations of the effects trauma has on our children and how we can show them compassion. Kyle and I left feeling like we had hope again in our parenting. As we drove home, we both commented on how nice it was to be with people who understood what we were going through. It felt good to be known.

It is wonderful to feel known by other people, but even when we are not, Scripture tells us that God knows us. He knows the smallest details, even when we sit or stand. He knows what we’re thinking at all times. He understands our struggles and our joys, and he is there for us no matter what we are facing. Do we see God as our friend? Do we have others around us who have walked through trials similar to ours? The truth is, you are not alone, and you are meant to be known.

— Kendra

— Today’s Act of Friendship —

Seek out support for what you are walking through, first by finding Scripture to let you know God is near, and then with others around you, whether it’s a group, class, or even just a close friend.