JonathanHerron.com

Adoption and the Gospel: God Wants You Around

Recently, this little lady became part of our family.

I love her so much - - she is part princess, part diva, and definitely all Herron.

Ainsleigh Grace is part of our family - we even named her purposefully as we did Josiah Nathan;
she shares some of my wife's name (Amber Leigh).

Adoption is a beautiful picture of God's Gospel:

How blessed is God! And what a blessing he is! He's the Father of our Master, Jesus Christ, and takes us to the high places of blessing in him.

Long before he laid down earth's foundations, he had us in mind, had settled on us as the focus of his love, to be made whole and holy by his love.

Long, long ago he decided to adopt us into his family through Jesus Christ.
(Ephesians 1, The Message).

When Paul wrote these words two thousand years ago, he used rich imagery to explain the Gospel. 
When we place saving trust in Jesus Christ, we are adopted into God's family.  This idea of adoption was rooted in ancient Greek culture, a way of creating heirs who immediately had access to their new family's wealth and position.  Roman government saw the adopted person as the true heir to the family; any past obligations or trespasses were completely and irrovocably erased.

That's the rich beauty of God's Message - through Christ, we are freed from Adam's broken family tree and grafted into the New Adam's perfect family tree.  The past is completely erased; we have immediate access to the Father. 

Adoption gives us a new identity and total security.  It cannot be undone; no one can take it away from you.  It doesn't matter what your background was - race, tribe, denomination, nationality - God doesn't see it that way in His family.  In Christ, we are united together by Him.  Adoption is forever.  It is proof that God wants you around!

Which brings me back to little Ainsleigh.  She is a Herron and we're thrilled to have her in the family! 

Our friends at Adoption Associates saw many little ones become part of forever families in March. 
I love their tag-line: Futures Built Through Adoption.  That easily sums up the Gospel.

Pure and genuine religion in the sight of God the Father means caring for orphans...
                                                                                                                          - James 1:27, NLT

* top photo: beth eggert photography

 

Phriday is for Photos

Family SnowBlast - 02.26.12. 

Little did we know that at that exact moment, a princess was being born...

 

Our Little Angel - 03.19.12

 

One more:

PINK CIGARS FOR EVERYBODY!!!

After 14 months of waiting, we received the phone call from Adoption Associates last Wednesday:

A preemie.

Born Sunday, February 26th.

Completely healthy.

We met her birthfamily on Friday.  Beautiful, loving Christians.  Making a beautiful adoption plan.

And then we met her.

Today it became official.

We named her Ainsleigh Grace.

And as soon as the judge signs the paperwork in coming days, Ainsleigh will be coming home!

You may be asking yourself, "Self, how can I help out with the Herrons' little newborn baby girl?" 

We definitely request your prayers. 

And if you're so inclined, here's our Baby Registry.

 

20 Seconds Toward Helping Families Adopt

I'm usually the last guy to sign a petition.

But I believe in this one for two reasons:

• As a follower of Jesus, I am FOR helping orphans
• I'm also an adoptive parent and hoping to adopt again in 2012.

Most of you know that expanding your family through adoption can be a huge expense.  Over the last several years, the federal government has attempted to ease that burden with an adoption tax credit (made fully refundable for 2010-2011).   Personally I can say that this credit (from adopting our son) played a significant role in providing us funds for our current adoption process. 

This credit is set to expire after 2012.  But you can help save it! 

Please take 20 seconds to sign this petition to not only extend the credit, but to continue making it refundable for families hoping to adopt!  Thanks!

 

Red Wagon Day

Five years ago today, we awaited our dinner guests
with combined excitement and nervous anxiety.

They arrived.  We enjoyed a homemade italian dinner.

We pushed through the awkward silences toward new relationships.

I don't remember much from the dinner table.

After the meal, our guests said they had something for us out in their car.

Out they went.

Nervous we sat.

In they came.

With a red wagon.

The anxiety gave way to a rush of emotions: happiness, joy, release.

That is how Josiah's birth-family revealed they had chosen us to become his adoptive parents.

 

Five years ago today:

Exactly one month and four days later,
we were blessed to be present at the birth of little Josiah Nathan.

Our open adoption journey took root five years ago today.

With the reception of a red wagon that is still used by the little guy today.

 

Thankful.  Overjoyed. 
Just some of the words to describe my feelings even now.

Remaining hopeful toward another little wagon (perhaps a pink one?)...

 

Most Powerful Moment

Long-time readers here know that I rarely embed videos.
But this is one video you NEED to watch.

The most powerful moment, hands-down, for me at Catalyst 2009 was the highlight on adoption.

Niagra Falls.

There are 143 MILLION orphans around the world. 

This MUST end. 

Mac Powell of Third Day offered a very personal, transparent glimpse into his own journey. 

Watch, cry, & take action:

Adoption - Are You Open? (full) from Catalyst on Vimeo.

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I blog for essentially 3 purposes:
1) Stewardship of my life thoughts and learnings
2) Influence and encouragement for
    Christ-followers and leaders
3) To leave a digital-footprint for my children and
    grandchildren

Think about it - everything you ever post or blog will echo into the future.  The internet will outlive you. 

And so today I blog to an audience of one:
Josiah Nathan Herron.

One year ago today something happened. 
You made your grand entrance into human history. 

The ancient Hebrews would name their children using at least one syllable from God's intimate Name, YHWH.  "Jo" and "iah" are both syllables from God's Name.  You are special.

3 events have profoundly shaped my life:
1) Choosing to follow Jesus as my Forgiver and Leader
2) Meeting your mother my senior year of high school
3) Becoming a daddy to you

Because of you, my heart is larger.  Your mommy is filled with joy.  I've become a huge advocate for open adoptions. 
My house is a mess. Power naps have become my friend.  I'm learning sign language.  Juliet the Wonder Pug gets to go on a frequent walks with you in tow.  Bald is beautiful.  I'm addicted to "Yo Gabba Gabba" on tv.  I see Children's Ministry in a whole new light.  I want to be a better man.

Thank you, Josiah, for one.  Happy Birthday. 
Can't wait for two.

Josiah's Dedication

Josiah Nathan Herron -

Your first name means "Fire of the LORD."  King Josiah was a godly leader who advanced God's Kingdom in a time of spiritual darkness.  May you grow up to be a warrior-prince.

Your middle name means "Gift of God."  In 1 Samuel 1 where we see baby dedication, Hannah presents her infant son Samuel to God, saying that he was lent by God, and she was now lending him back for God's glory.  Today your mother and I do the same by dedicating you to Jesus.

Your last name means you're family.  You're stuck with us.  And we count it all joy.  We resolve to make Christ the center of our marriage, not ourselves.  We pledge to strive toward modeling trinitarian love to you.  We promise to teach you about Jesus of Nazareth, His love for you, and His supreme, eternal sacrifice made for your salvation.

May you choose to follow Christ, be baptized as a believer, and make disciples of all nations.