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When life as we know it is flipped upside down, we struggle to make sense of it all. Why would a good God allow this to happen? Hi, I’m Sherrie Pilkington, your host of Finding God In Our Pain. In 2018, when I unexpectedly lost my husband of 32 years, questions erupted out of my deepest despair. Since then, I’ve continued to search the heart of God for what He has to say about pain and suffering. In this podcast we’ll discover how God enters into our pain, shepherds us through our darkest valleys, and leads us to green pastures once again. I’ll bring you firsthand stories from women who allow us into their authentic struggles, along with professional advice from experts, counselors, and others who can help us navigate pain. Join me, as we discover God’s answers to the deepest cries of our shattered hearts.
Episodes
Wednesday Jan 19, 2022
Wednesday Jan 19, 2022
Joan Benson - Adopting Older Children
My guest Joan Benson met her husband David when they were 15 and 16 years old. They fell in love and dreamed of a big family. When infertility became their reality they turned to adoption. Their first 2 (separate) adoptions were infants, their son Shannon and daughter Kristie. They later adopted two older sons (separate adoptions), first was Larry and then Wiley.
Joan’s momma heart dreamed of leaving a legacy of love, compassion and trust. She imagined her and David growing old together, enjoying their grandchildren, watching their children work hard, be successful and live healthy, well adjusted lives.
Those dreams would be severely challenged when Joan realizes that she did not have the skillset that the two oldest sons would require. Not even her devoted love could reach the painful places of trauma that both Larry and Wiley had experienced prior to being folded into Joan and David’s family.
Just when things couldn’t be more crucial ... the boys struggling through their high school years, testosterone infused determination and emotional issues heaped on top ... the love of Joans life, David decides to leave the family for a younger woman. So much for the Christian family values that Joan had longed to give her children.
This conversation is but a shadow of all that Joan has endured and despite the complications and heartache Joan fully supports adopting older children. So much has changed for the better when it comes to the emotional and mental needs of traumatized children but her advice to educate oneself is still key to giving the adoption the best shot at success.
As you listen in, let your heart be reminded that we were once orphans or maybe we live with orphan heart belief patterns. But as God’s children, He is extravagantly, generously generous to us and we can never go so far that His love can’t cover us.
Live Loved and Thrive! @alifofthrive.com
Transcript: https://www.happyscribe.com/transcriptions/e9b65a92e21847c9810f0e2e42506b3c/edit_v2
Connect with Joan:
Email: https://www.joancbenson.com/
Request Joan to speak at your next event, please contact her at bensonjj@verizon.net or by phone 757-567-4637.
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