Everyone’s situation is different, but there is one thing we can all agree on: the relationships you develop with people grow from spending time with them, being understanding and supporting, and letting them know they matter. We call these relationships being friends, significant others, and even colleagues. Whether you realize it or not, however, most people have always had the idea that family has a different criteria. But why is that? Why is someone family only if they are biologically related to you, and why have we clung to such a closed mindset on the matter for so long?
In 2008, my cousins Courtney and Emory Lott founded Faithful Adoption Consultants, an adoption referral service for Christians looking to challenge the concept of nuclear families. They and their colleagues firmly believe that it isn’t blood that makes you family, but acceptance and love. Every member works hard to spread this message with each successful story, and is dedicated to directing clients to the right lawyers and agencies to ensure the process goes as smoothly as possible. It can be difficult and emotional at times, so counseling is also provided if a client is in need of it. The overall goal of the FAC team is to ensure that all children get the family they deserve and to have more people realize that adoption is just as rewarding as having children biologically. |
While there are several families running FAC, my cousins’ seven beautiful children, five of which are adopted, could be considered the true face of the group. All seven have grown up happy, healthy, and more loved than they probably ever imagined they would. Not only that, but they have become Instagram favorites across the country before they've even hit their teenage years, courtesy of Courtney's famous tag #thelottofus. Each time I see them, they are so close to my biological cousins that it warms my heart to know lucky all of them are to have each other. But even more so, I am incredibly lucky to call them family. Watching them grow up, I have seen how adoption touches the hearts of everyone involved, and I would give anything for others to experience it as well. | |
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This blog will be about all things adoption, from the many reasons that people decide to do it to the controversy regarding each one, and particularly my own family's role in changing the lives of these parents and children. Everyone's story is different and important, so I look forward to exploring all of them. And if you yourself have ever thought about adopting or you know someone who has, I urge you to walk alongside me over the next few months as we learn what adoption is really all about.
Love has nothing to do with biology. Love your child, laugh and smile and snuggle and cuddle, feed, change, bathe, and take care of your child… and he will love you back, no matter where he spent his time in utero. Biology alone does not make or break a mother or father. Being there day after day does. That’s where the real magic is.