ADOPTION STRUGGLES AND SUPPORT | Adoption Trauma, Parenting Guides, Biblical Encouragement, Respite, Anxiety Bible Verses

“As water reflects the face, so the heart reflects the person.” ~Proverbs 27:19 Have you ever paused long enough to notice what your heart is trying to tell you? What story does reflection time reveal about your heart? 💭 Hi Neighbor, In today’s bite-sized episode, we explore the power of reflection and why making space to pause can transform your parenting journey. Drawing from Proverbs 27:19, we consider how the heart reflects the person—and how intentional reflection can help adoptive parents move from fear and self-doubt toward clarity, courage, and hope. 🕊️ If you’ve ever found yourself asking, “Will my child be okay?” or “Where did I go wrong?” this conversation invites you to step back, breathe, and allow reflection to reveal a more truthful story—one shaped by growth, endurance, and God’s faithfulness. 🤍 In this episode, you’ll hear: 🌿 Why reflection is essential for adoptive parents navigating fear, uncertainty, and fatigue 🪞 A simple, memorable framework using the word REFLECT (forwards and backwards) to guide your reflection time 🤲 How honest assessment—celebrating victories and acknowledging challenges, leads to growth 🕊️ The difference between healthy reflection and unhealthy dwelling on the past 🌅 How trials, when reflected on with intention, can strengthen your confidence for the future Reflection is not about perfection. It is about perspective. It is about recognizing that even in trials, there are blessings, lessons, and evidence of strength you didn’t know you had. ✨ You are not alone in this journey. 🤝 Anchors of Hope and Healing are on the way.  Your Neighbor, Tim P.S. I hope you’ll consider leaving a review of the podcast. This short video will show you how. Thanks, Neighbor! If you haven’t joined our private community, consider this an invitation. It’s a safe space to share your struggles and triumphs with fellow adoptive parents who truly understand what you're going through.

Have you ever sensed in your body that you’ve reached your limit—before your mind was ready to admit it? 💭 Hi Neighbor, In today’s episode, we slow down together and explore a truth many adoptive parents know deep down but rarely give themselves permission to embrace: your body often recognizes the need for stillness long before your mind accepts it. 🕊️ If you’re walking through a difficult season—feeling heavy, drained, or overwhelmed—this conversation is an invitation to pause, step back, and show yourself grace. 🤍 Drawing from Psalms 46 and 121, I share how God’s unchanging presence gives us permission to be still, even when our homes, our hearts, or the world around us feel chaotic. ✝️ In this episode, you’ll hear: 🌿 Why your body may be signaling that it’s time to slow down and be still ⚓ How Psalm 46:10 anchors us in God’s sovereignty during life’s storms  🌙 The comfort of knowing the One who watches over you never sleeps (Psalm 121) 📖 Practical examples of stillness: quiet walks to journaling to embracing silence 📝 A simple “Daily Doable” to help you create space for rest and reflection Stillness is not weakness. It is trust. It is surrender. It is an anchor in the storm. You are not alone in this journey. 🤝 Anchors of Hope and Healing are on the way. Your Neighbor, Tim P.S. If you’ve ever felt lost trying to connect Scripture with the realities of adoption trauma, I’d love to walk alongside you. Let’s have a one-on-one conversation where we can talk through practical tools and Biblical encouragement for your journey. 👉 Send me an email at tim@anchorsofencouragement.com to grab your spot. I’d be honored to walk with you. 💙 If you haven’t joined our private community, consider this an invitation. It’s a safe space to share your struggles and triumphs with fellow adoptive parents who truly understand what you're going through.

Have you ever faced a moment as a parent when everything changes in an instant? 💔 Hi Neighbor, Today’s episode is a little different than what you’re used to hearing here. Like Episode 16, this is a t-shirt story—where something ordinary ends up carrying extraordinary meaning. But while Episode 16 focused on a natural disaster, today’s story is deeply personal. It’s about a young girl and her battle with cancer—and a perspective that far exceeded her years. Joining me today is my neighbor and brother Simon Harris. He’s going to share a story that has inspired my family and me, and I believe it will inspire you too. In this episode, you’ll hear: 💪 How Kelsey faced cancer with courage beyond her years 👕 The story behind the T-shirts that became a symbol of hope ❤️ How her perspective influenced her parents and everyone she touched 🌟 Lessons on choosing joy and making a lasting impact, no matter the circumstances Kelsey’s life reminds us that even in the hardest storms, perspective and joy can ripple far beyond what we ever imagine. 💖 Anchors of Hope and Healing are on the way. Your Neighbor, Tim P.S. See the T-Shirt inspired by her quote.  And see Kelsey’s grave marker. If you’ve ever felt lost trying to connect Scripture with the realities of adoption trauma, I’d love to walk alongside you. Let’s have a one-on-one conversation where we can talk through practical tools and Biblical encouragement for your journey. 👉 Send me an email at tim@anchorsofencouragement.com to grab your spot. I’d be honored to walk with you. 💙 If you haven’t joined our private community, consider this an invitation. It’s a safe space to share your struggles and triumphs with fellow adoptive parents who truly understand what you're going through.

Have you ever felt overwhelmed by your own emotions as an adoptive parent — unsure how to calm yourself down or pick yourself back up when the weight feels like too much? Hi Neighbor, For many Christian adoptive parents, the challenge goes beyond supporting a child through trauma; it’s learning how to regulate yourself when the demands of parenting feel overwhelming 💔😮‍💨 In today’s episode, I’m joined once again by my neighbor from London, Crystal Luke Worrall. Crystal is a music therapist, EMDR practitioner, and clinical supervisor specializing in helping children and families heal from early trauma 🧠🎶 In previous episodes, Crystal shared powerful insights on EMDR and music therapy for adopted children. This time, the focus shifts to you — the adoptive parent 🤍 Together, we explore what emotional regulation actually looks like in real life and why adoptive parents are not meant to do this alone. 🤝 We talk through practical, body-based tools to help you calm down when anxiety or anger runs high, as well as strategies to gently activate yourself when sadness, numbness, or low energy take over. In today’s conversation, we explore: 🤝 Why adoptive parents are not meant to regulate alone and how co-regulation supports healing 🧺 The “emotional laundry” analogy and how naming emotions reduces overwhelm ⏸️▶️ How to tell whether you need to slow down or speed up emotionally 🌬️ Simple grounding and breathing techniques that help calm anxiety and bring clarity ⏰ The role of intentional self-check-ins and routines in long-term regulation 🏡 Why regulating yourself creates safety and steadiness for your entire family If you’ve ever felt unsure how to manage your own emotions while caring for a child with big feelings, this episode offers practical hope. You are not alone in this journey. Support, tools, and understanding are available 🙏 Learning to care for yourself is not a weakness, but a vital part of caring for your family 💛 Anchors of Hope and Healing are on the way. Your Neighbor, Tim P.S. If you’ve ever felt lost trying to connect Scripture with the realities of adoption trauma, I’d love to walk alongside you. Let’s have a one-on-one conversation where we can talk through practical tools and Biblical encouragement for your journey. 👉 Send me an email at tim@anchorsofencouragement.com to grab your spot. I’d be honored to walk with you. 💙 If you haven’t joined our private community, consider this an invitation. It’s a safe space to share your struggles and triumphs with fellow adoptive parents who truly understand what you're going through. Connect with Crystal: Website: https://www.clapandtoot.com/ Email: crystal@clapandtoot.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/crystal-luk/ Disclaimer: The content of this podcast is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.  Always consult your healthcare provider with your health questions and concerns. As is the case with anyone that I bring on the show to talk to you, I encourage take notes and listen to the information. Then do your due diligence and use what you can in your adoption journey to parent your child the best way you can.

Have you ever felt completely alone in your adoption journey — like no one truly understands what you’re carrying or the struggles you’re facing? 💭 For many Christian adoptive parents, the hardest part isn’t just managing behaviors or navigating trauma. It’s the loneliness. The quiet fear. The anxiety that creeps in during sleepless nights. The constant questions: Will my child be okay? Did I do something wrong? What does their future hold? Hi Neighbor, In today’s episode, I share a powerful childhood story that shaped how I understand loneliness, perseverance, and what it truly means to be “all alone.” From watching Secretariat run the Belmont Stakes to walking through the hardest seasons of our own adoption journey, I explore how isolation can feel overwhelming — and why it doesn’t have to stay that way. My wife and I know firsthand what it’s like to believe you’re the only ones going through this. We carried anxiety, negativity, crisis, heaviness, overwhelm, and exhaustion — until we realized something life-changing: we were not alone! In this episode, I introduce a simple, practical exercise built around the word ANCHOR — a way to name what you’re feeling, touch the hard emotions, and begin replacing isolation with hope, healing, and connection. In today’s conversation, we explore: 💔 Why loneliness feels so heavy for adoptive parents  🌪️ How anxiety, overwhelm, and crisis often grow when we feel isolated ✍️ A simple writing exercise that helps identify emotional weight and invite healing 🤝 How community, connection, and faith help replace fear with hope  ⚓ Why grabbing hold of an anchor can change the way you walk through adoption trauma If you’re feeling alone, overwhelmed, or exhausted by the emotional weight of adoption, my prayer is that today’s episode reminds you of this truth: you are not alone 🙏 There is hope. There is healing. And there is support waiting for you 🌿 Anchors of Hope and Healing are on the way. Your Neighbor, Tim P.S. If you’ve ever felt lost trying to connect Scripture with the realities of adoption trauma, I’d love to walk alongside you. Let’s have a one-on-one conversation where we can talk through practical tools and Biblical encouragement for your journey. 👉 Send me an email at tim@anchorsofencouragement.com to grab your spot. I’d be honored to walk with you. 💙 If you haven’t joined our private community, consider this an invitation. It’s a safe space to share your struggles and triumphs with fellow adoptive parents who truly understand what you're going through.

Have you ever found yourself wondering whether you made the right choice as a parent—especially when loving your child means making decisions that feel heartbreaking, confusing, or impossible to explain? 💭 For many Christian adoptive parents, the struggle isn’t just managing behavior or circumstances, it’s learning how to find calm when everything around you feels chaotic. How do you hold steady when fear, guilt, and uncertainty all collide at once? ✨ Hi Neighbor, Today’s episode goes back to the very beginning of this podcast. I’m revisiting the opening lines from Episode One, words that still give me chills because they carry the weight of one of the hardest seasons my wife Mary Beth and I have ever walked through. They come from the moment we left our son at residential treatment, carrying questions we couldn’t answer and fears we couldn’t escape: Would he hate us for loving him this much? Would he see this as the ultimate act of betrayal? Would he embrace the help we had finally found for him? What we knew was simple and devastating all at once, our son needed help that our love alone couldn’t give. I revisit these words not to relive the pain, but so I can sit with you in yours. In this episode, I share how that chaotic season—one later shaped by the realities of adoption trauma, became the place where I learned how to find calm in the chaos.  I introduce a simple, practical practice that helped ground me when everything felt overwhelming: becoming a “copycat.” In today’s conversation, we explore: ❓ What chaos really feels like for adoptive parents living with constant uncertainty 🌀 Why chaos feels inescapable when we only see confusion, fear, and endless storms ✍️ How slowing down with pen and paper can help calm the nervous system 📖 Why copying words rather than trying to “fix” feelings can bring peace 🌿 Why focusing on comforting words helps move you from chaos to calm If you’re carrying anxiety, questioning your decisions, or feeling like the storms in your home never stop, my prayer is that this episode reminds you that you are not failing and you are not alone. There is a way to experience calm, even here. 🙏✨ Anchors of Hope and Healing are on the way. Your Neighbor, Tim P.S. If you’ve ever felt lost trying to connect Scripture with the realities of adoption trauma, I’d love to walk alongside you. Let’s have a one-on-one conversation where we can talk through practical tools and Biblical encouragement for your journey. 👉 Send me an email at tim@anchorsofencouragement.com to grab your spot. I’d be honored to walk with you. 💙 If you haven’t joined our private community, consider this an invitation. It’s a safe space to share your struggles and triumphs with fellow adoptive parents who truly understand what you're going through.

Have you ever found yourself wondering whether adoption is really what God wants for you especially after so many no’s, delays, or painful moments that leave you questioning everything? 💭 For many Christian adoptive parents, the struggle isn’t just about the process of adoption, it’s about learning how to trust God when the path forward feels unclear. How do you keep moving forward when faith and fear collide? ✨ Hi Neighbor, Today’s episode comes straight from the heart. I’m responding to a question shared inside our adoptive parent community, one that my wife Mary Beth and I know all too well: “We’re struggling with trusting that adoption is what God wants for us.” If that sounds familiar, you’re not alone. In this episode, I share parts of our own adoption journey, the doubts, the disappointments, the no’s, and the moments when we wondered if we had misunderstood God entirely.  I also share the story of a phone call we almost missed… a moment that became one of the clearest clues that God was at work, even when we couldn’t see the full picture. In today’s conversation, we explore: ❓ Why even faithful Christian couples struggle to trust God in adoption 📖 What the story of Gideon teaches us about asking God for reassurance 🧩 How God often provides “clues” instead of full answers 📞 The adoption phone call we were seconds away from missing—and why it mattered 🌱 How to trust God when you can only see one step ahead 📜 Why Proverbs 3:5–6 is an anchor verse for uncertain seasons In Scripture, we see a God who meets His people in their doubt, provides reassurance, and continues to guide them forward with patience and grace. 🌿 If you’re wrestling with trust, feeling worn down by the ups and downs of adoption, or wondering whether God really has this, I pray this episode reminds you that He sees the whole picture, even when you can only see the next step. 🙏✨ Anchors of Hope and Healing are on the way. Your Neighbor, Tim P.S. If you’ve ever felt lost trying to connect Scripture with the realities of adoption trauma, I’d love to walk alongside you. Let’s have a one-on-one conversation where we can talk through practical tools and Biblical encouragement for your journey. 👉 Send me an email at tim@anchorsofencouragement.com to grab your spot. I’d be honored to walk with you. 💙 If you haven’t joined our private community, consider this an invitation. It’s a safe space to share your struggles and triumphs with fellow adoptive parents who truly understand what you're going through.

How can adoptive parents experience peace in their lives? I believe it can be as simple as learning to listen.  Hi Neighbor, Some of the questions I hear most often from other adoptive parents sound like this: ❓ How do you keep going when it feels overwhelming? 🌫️ How do you navigate the challenges, uncertainty, and weight of this journey? 💔 And especially this one… how can you be okay even when your kids aren’t? More than 25 years into this journey, the lessons I carry were shaped by: 🌙 Sleepless nights ⛈️ Hard seasons 🌿 Unexpected moments of quiet grace Those are the stories I want to share with you. I want to begin with something many adoptive parents are longing for but often feel is missing: 🕊️ Peace So the question becomes: How can adoptive parents experience peace in their lives? I believe it can be as simple as learning to listen. Anchors of hope and healing are on the way. Your Neighbor, Tim 💙 P.S. If you’ve ever felt lost trying to connect Scripture with the realities of adoption trauma, I’d love to walk alongside you. Book your anxiety management call with me today where we can talk through practical tools and Biblical encouragement for your journey. 👉 Send me an email to tim@anchorsofencouragement.com to grab your spot. I’d be honored to walk with you. 💙 And, if you haven’t joined our private community, consider this an invitation. It’s a safe space to share your struggles and triumphs with fellow adoptive parents who truly understand what you're going through.

Have you ever felt overwhelmed by the behavioral challenges that can come with adoption wondering if love alone is enough? 💙
 When discipline feels like a daily battle and progress comes slower than expected, many adoptive parents quietly ask, “Am I doing this right?” 💭 Hi Neighbor, Today’s episode brings you the second half of a rich and honest conversation with adoptive father, clinical psychologist, and speaker Dr. Ray Guarendi. In this practical and encouraging discussion, Dr. Ray speaks directly to the realities adoptive parents often aren’t prepared for, discipline struggles, trauma-based behaviors, attachment concerns, and the perseverance required to parent children with complex histories. In Part One (Episode 221), Dr. Ray shared his family’s adoption journey, why he and his wife kept saying yes, and the often-unspoken realities of trauma histories, prenatal exposure, and safety concerns. In this episode, we move into the how of parenting:
 How do you discipline a child whose wiring is different?
 How do you balance firm standards with deep affection?
 And how do you persevere when attachment and bonding don’t happen on your timeline? Dr. Ray offers calm, confidence-building wisdom rooted in both professional experience and decades of parenting ten adopted children. This is an episode you may want to listen to with a pen and paper nearby. Together, we explore how to: 
🧭 Lead with calm, confident authority instead of power struggles and nagging
 🛠 Understand why some children need repetition, structure, and perseverance not quick fixes 🤍 Balance increased discipline with increased affection, reassurance, and one-on-one time
 🌱 Reframe attachment struggles by understanding trauma, prenatal exposure, and lived experience
 🕊 Persevere through hard seasons without lowering standards or losing hope Toward the end of the episode, we address common misconceptions around birth family reunions, attachment timelines, and the cultural messages that can quietly undermine an adopted child’s sense of belonging. At the close of the episode, I share a Biblical principle that has guided my own adoption journey: Practicing Pure and Undefiled Religion from James 1:27.  If you’ve ever questioned your approach to discipline, worried about attachment, or needed reassurance that perseverance truly matters, this episode will strengthen and steady your heart.💙 Anchors of Hope and Healing are on the way. Your Neighbor,
 Tim 💙 P.S. If you’ve ever felt lost trying to connect Scripture with the realities of adoption trauma, I’d love to walk alongside you. Let’s have a one-on-one conversation where we can talk through practical tools and Biblical encouragement for your journey. 👉 Send me an email at tim@anchorsofencouragement.com to grab your spot. I’d be honored to walk with you. 💙 If you haven’t joined our private community, consider this an invitation. It’s a safe space to share your struggles and triumphs with fellow adoptive parents who truly understand what you're going through. Connect with Dr. Ray: Website Facebook Instagram Book – Adoption: Should You, Could You, and Then What?

Have you ever wondered if you’re really attaching to your adopted child or felt unsettled by how difficult parenting feels at times? 💔
 When love doesn’t seem to produce the results you expected, it can leave adoptive parents questioning themselves, their decisions, and even their hearts. 💭 Hi Neighbor, Adoption is beautiful, redemptive, and deeply meaningful but it can also be messy, exhausting, and far more complicated than most people ever talk about. In this heartfelt and honest conversation, clinical psychologist and adoptive father of ten, Dr. Ray Guarendi, pulls back the curtain on the realities adoptive parents often face after the paperwork is signed and the child comes home. This is Part One of a two-part conversation. In this episode, Dr. Ray shares his family’s adoption story, why he and his wife continued saying yes, and the hard realities that come with parenting children who have experienced trauma, neglect, prenatal exposure, or instability early in life. With humor, candor, and deep compassion, he normalizes the fears many adoptive parents are afraid to voice out loud. Together, we explore: 
🔍 Why adoption can be a “bumpy ride” even in loving, stable homes 
💬 Common fears adoptive parents carry 
🛑 Why safety, emotional, physical, and relational must always come first
 🤍 How challenging behaviors are often rooted in a child’s history, not parenting failure
 🌱 What it means to persevere when love doesn’t lead to quick or predictable results Throughout the conversation, Dr. Ray reassures adoptive parents that struggling does not mean failing and that feeling frustrated, uncertain, or worn down does not disqualify you from being the parent your child needs. At the end of the episode, I share a Biblical principle that has guided my own adoption journey: Practicing Steadfast Love. If you’ve ever felt anxious about your child’s future, questioned your parenting, or needed reassurance that you’re not alone in the hard parts of adoption, this episode will meet you right where you are. 💙 Part Two of this conversation continues with practical guidance on discipline, attachment, and persevering with confidence. Anchors of Hope and Healing are on the way. Your Neighbor,
 Tim 💙 P.S. If you’ve ever felt lost trying to connect Scripture with the realities of adoption trauma, I’d love to walk alongside you. Let’s have a one-on-one conversation where we can talk through practical tools and Biblical encouragement for your journey. 👉 Send me an email at tim@anchorsofencouragement.com to grab your spot. I’d be honored to walk with you. 💙 If you haven’t joined our private community, consider this an invitation. It’s a safe space to share your struggles and triumphs with fellow adoptive parents who truly understand what you're going through. Connect with Dr. Ray: Website Facebook Instagram Book – Adoption: Should You, Could You, and Then What?  

Have you ever wondered whether the Bible actually models the kind of emotional honesty you’re trying to practice—especially in the middle of adoption trauma, parenting challenges, or the everyday noise that makes it hard to hear God? 💭 For many adoptive parents, seasons of overwhelm show up quietly, and the real question becomes: How do I slow down long enough to hear God’s voice again? ✨ Hi Neighbor, Today’s episode is a little different. Instead of me interviewing a guest, you’ll hear part two of my conversation with my friend Jenny Fulford, host of the Hearing God Daily podcast. Jenny invited me to share two things woven deeply into my story: how my son processed adoption trauma through journaling and how Scripture itself models emotional expression long before we had a word for it. ✍️ In this deep and practical conversation, we talk about: 🧠 How journaling helped my son work through adoption trauma 📖 Why the Psalms read like David’s raw, honest journal entries 💬 How Scripture models emotional processing—and why that matters for adoptive parents 📝 Simple ways to start journaling when you don’t know what to write ⏳ Why slowing down with God shifts your perspective and softens your heart One of my favorite moments is when Jenny and I walk through Psalms 3, 25, and 77—seeing the same pattern over and over: honesty → remembrance → peace → praise. It’s a biblical roadmap for emotional processing, and it’s the same pattern that has helped both me and my son navigate some of our hardest seasons. 🌿💡 This conversation reflects the heart of our community: supporting adoptive parents with Biblical truth, emotional tools, and real stories of how God meets us in the mess. 💙 Near the end, I share a simple journaling practice anyone can start today—copying Scripture word for word as a way to “write truth on the tablet of your heart” (Proverbs 3). It’s one of the ways I’ve learned to slow down, breathe, and connect with God again. If you’ve been longing for a deeper connection with God, or wondering how to hear His voice through Scripture and journaling, this episode will bring clarity, encouragement, and hope. 🙏✨ Anchors of Hope and Healing are on the way. Your Neighbor, Tim P.S.The first part of this conversation can be heard in Episode 219. If you’ve ever felt lost trying to connect Scripture with the realities of adoption trauma, I’d love to walk alongside you. Let’s have a one-on-one conversation where we can talk through practical tools and Biblical encouragement for your journey. 👉 Send me an email at tim@anchorsofencouragement.com to grab your spot. I’d be honored to walk with you. 💙 If you haven’t joined our private community, consider this an invitation. It’s a safe space to share your struggles and triumphs with fellow adoptive parents who truly understand what you're going through.

Have you ever reached a point in your adoption journey where the weight of fear, uncertainty, or unanswered prayers felt like too much to carry on your own? 💔 For many adoptive parents, those moments show up quietly—and the real question becomes: How do I hear God when everything around me feels loud or overwhelming? 💭 Hi Neighbor, Today’s episode is a little different. Instead of interviewing a guest, I’m the one being interviewed by my friend Jenny Fulford, host of the Hearing God Daily podcast. Jenny invited me to share two things woven deeply into my story: the struggles I faced as an adoptive parent and how journaling became a lifeline in connecting with God. ✍️ In our conversation, we talk about: 📝 How journaling helped me through the hardest parts of our adoption journey 🔇 Why writing quiets the noise long enough to hear God again 💬 What honesty with God looks like when you’re afraid or overwhelmed 📖 How journaling anchors us in Scripture, truth, and reflection One of my favorite moments is when Jenny creates her own acrostic from a journaling prompt I gave her—right in the middle of the interview. It’s a beautiful reminder that God often speaks when we slow down enough to listen. 🌿💡 This episode reflects the heart of our community: helping adoptive parents grow spiritually and emotionally while navigating the complexities of adoption. 💙 Near the end, I share a biblical principle that has carried me through many difficult seasons: 📖 Psalm 62:8: “Pour out your hearts before Him; God is a refuge for us.” God doesn’t ask us to hide our fear—He invites us to bring it to Him. 🙏 If you’ve been longing for a deeper connection with God or wondering how to hear His voice in the middle of real-life challenges, this episode will offer encouragement, clarity, and hope. ✨ Anchors of Hope and Healing are on the way.  Your Neighbor, Tim P.S. If you’ve ever felt lost trying to connect Scripture with the realities of adoption trauma, I’d love to walk alongside you. Let’s have a one-on-one conversation where we can talk through practical tools and Biblical encouragement for your journey. 👉 Send me an email at tim@anchorsofencouragement.com to grab your spot. I’d be honored to walk with you. 💙 If you haven’t joined our private community, consider this an invitation. It’s a safe space to share your struggles and triumphs with fellow adoptive parents who truly understand what you're going through.

Has your adopted child ever experienced loss, rejection, or disappointment when seeking connection with their birth family? 💔 It’s a deep, emotional pain that can shake both the child and the parent who longs to protect them. 💭 Hi Neighbor, When an adoptee reaches out to their birth family and is rejected, the pain can be overwhelming. In this emotional and practical conversation, adoption professional Jane Baker shares how adoptive parents can respond with empathy, compassion, and presence instead of platitudes. Learn what to say, how to support your child’s heart, and how to help them grieve without feeling alone. This is the final installment in our series on supporting adopted children as they learn their story and navigate reunions with birth parents. In earlier episodes: • Episode 210 focused on adopted children who simply want to know their story and how to answer their questions with honesty, empathy, and clarity. • Episode 212 explored what to say when your child’s story is painful or difficult to tell. • Episode 217 shared guidance on supporting your child when they reconnect with birth family, regardless of the outcome. In this conversation, Jane teaches us about the power of empathy and how to sit with our children in their grief instead of trying to fix, minimize, or explain it away. Together, we explore how to: 🔍 Support your child through the raw emotions of rejection, grief, and disappointment. 💬 Avoid platitudes that shut down emotional expression like, “Don’t cry” or “It’s God’s will.” 🧭 Prepare emotionally to hold space for your child’s pain without being overwhelmed yourself. 🌿 Reinforce their value and remind them they are never to blame for the actions of others. Jane also shares some of the most eye-opening moments she’s witnessed, from deep sorrow to cautious optimism, showing us what it means to walk alongside a child in their emotional reality. At the end of this episode, I share a Biblical principle from Romans 12:15: “Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep.” A verse that reminds us to enter our child’s emotional world and reflect the heart of Christ—present, loving, and compassionate—not to fix or correct, but to validate and support. ✨ If you’ve ever wondered how to help your child process grief or rejection with courage and care, this episode will give you the clarity, tools, and reassurance you need. 💙 Anchors of Hope and Healing are on the way. Your Neighbor, Tim 💙 P.S. If you’ve ever felt lost trying to connect Scripture with the realities of adoption trauma, I’d love to walk alongside you. Let’s have a one-on-one conversation where we can talk through practical tools and Biblical encouragement for your journey. 👉 Send me an email at tim@anchorsofencouragement.com to grab your spot. I’d be honored to walk with you. 💙 If you haven’t joined our private community, consider this an invitation. It’s a safe space to share your struggles and triumphs with fellow adoptive parents who truly understand what you're going through. Connect with Jane Baker: Phone: 256-353-8528 Email: JBaker@adoption-associates.com Website: https://www.adoption-associates.com/ Listen to Jane’s Episodes: 8 – Adoption Trauma Defined! Part 1: How to Understand Its Causes and Effects with Jane Baker 9 – Adoption Trauma Defined! Part 2: How to Find Help and a Good Therapist with Jane Baker 86 – When Friends Fail You! How Adoptive Parents Can Heal From Betrayal? With Jane Baker 183 – Adoption Struggles: Wisdom I Wish I Had Known with Jane Baker

What if my child reaches out and gets rejected for a second time? 💔 Has your adopted child ever searched for their birth family with hope in their heart, only to face silence, disappointment, or outright rejection? It’s a kind of pain that shakes both the child and the parent who longs to protect them. 💭 Hi Neighbor, In this episode, I continue my conversation with my friend and trusted adoption professional, Jane Baker, a woman who has spent decades walking with children and families through some of the most complex and emotional adoption stories. 🤝 This is the third installment in our series on helping adopted children understand, navigate, and process the truth of their story. In earlier episodes: • Episode 210 focused on adopted children who simply want to know their story and how to answer their questions with honesty, empathy, and clarity. • Episode 212 explored what to say when your child’s story is painful or difficult to tell. In this conversation, Jane helps us understand what happens when adoptees take the next step, seeking connection with birth parents or siblings and how parents can support them through the fragile hopes and unpredictable outcomes. 🌱 Together, we explore how to: 🔍 Support your child when social media makes birth-family discovery easier but far more complicated. 💬 Help them sort through expectations, fantasies, and the emotional realities of reunion. 🧭 Prepare both yourself and your child emotionally, spiritually, and practically. 🌿 Stay grounded so you can be a steady presence instead of being swept up in the hurt. Jane also shares some of the most heartbreaking and eye-opening moments she’s witnessed, stories of joyful connection, cautious optimism, and the crushing pain of renewed rejection. Her wisdom will help you see more clearly what your child might be carrying, even if they don’t have the words to say it. 💡 At the end of this episode, I share a Biblical principle from Psalm 34:18 that has shaped my own adoption journey, a reminder that God draws near to the brokenhearted and invites us to do the same. Some moments are not about fixing but about faithful, grounded presence. ✨ If you’ve ever wondered how to support your child through a reunion that brings more questions than answers, this episode will help you find clarity, courage, and compassion for the road ahead. 💛 Anchors of Hope and Healing are on the way. Your Neighbor, Tim 💙 P.S. If you’ve ever felt lost trying to connect Scripture with the realities of adoption trauma, I’d love to walk alongside you. Let’s have a one-on-one conversation where we can talk through practical tools and Biblical encouragement for your journey. 👉 Send me an email at tim@anchorsofencouragement.com to grab your spot. I’d be honored to walk with you. 💙 If you haven’t joined our private community, consider this an invitation. It’s a safe space to share your struggles and triumphs with fellow adoptive parents who truly understand what you're going through. Connect with Jane Baker: Phone: 256-353-8528 Email: JBaker@adoption-associates.com Website: https://www.adoption-associates.com/ Listen to Jane’s Episodes: 8 – Adoption Trauma Defined! Part 1: How to Understand Its Causes and Effects with Jane Baker 9 – Adoption Trauma Defined! Part 2: How to Find Help and a Good Therapist with Jane Baker 86 – When Friends Fail You! How Adoptive Parents Can Heal From Betrayal? With Jane Baker 183 – Adoption Struggles: Wisdom I Wish I Had Known with Jane Baker

When the path ahead feels unclear and your heart feels heavy with “what ifs,” it can seem like you’re walking through a fog that just won’t lift. Hi Neighbor, In this episode, we talk about what it means to trust God when you can’t see what’s next in your adoption journey. I’ll share 5 anxiety Bible verses—timeless truths from Scripture to help you find peace, courage, and direction when everything around you feels uncertain. Together, we’ll explore: ✨ How God’s Word becomes your “low beam” light in the fog 💛 Why slowing down often helps you see more clearly 🙏 The peace that comes from trusting God’s vantage point 🌿 How to apply biblical wisdom to your daily adoption struggles You don’t have to have it all figured out. You just need to know where to anchor your heart. If anxiety, doubt, or uncertainty have been clouding your parenting journey, this episode will remind you that God already sees what’s ahead and He’s guiding every step. 💙 Anchors of Hope and Healing are on the way. Your Neighbor, Tim 💙 P.S. If you’ve ever felt lost trying to connect Scripture with the realities of adoption trauma, I’d love to walk alongside you. Book your anxiety management call with me today where we can talk through practical tools and Biblical encouragement for your journey. 👉 Send me an email to tim@anchorsofencouragement.com to grab your spot. I’d be honored to walk with you. 💙 And, if you haven’t joined our private community, consider this an invitation. It’s a safe space to share your struggles and triumphs with fellow adoptive parents who truly understand what you're going through.

When your story begins in loss, can it still lead to hope? 💛 What does it look like to let God rewrite your story of abandonment, identity, and belonging? Hi Neighbor, Sometimes the most powerful stories of faith begin in the hardest places. That’s true for my guest, Ayden Lincoln, an adoption advocate, author, and adult adoptee who was found abandoned in a shoebox in China and adopted into a family from Pennsylvania. Her journey from loss to purpose is one of resilience, redemption, and grace. In our conversation, Ayden shares how she’s learning to make peace with her beginnings while helping others find healing in theirs. Together, we talk about: ✨ The courage to face the pain of your story 💪 What it means to belong when your past feels broken 🌱 How faith can turn grief into growth Ayden reminds us that healing doesn’t mean forgetting where we came from—it means trusting God to bring beauty from what was once broken. 🙏 If you’ve ever questioned your place in the story, Ayden’s words will remind you that you are not forgotten—and that your beginning does not define your becoming. 💙 Anchors of Hope and Healing are on the way. Your Neighbor, Tim 💙 P.S. If you haven’t joined our private community, consider this an invitation. It’s a safe space to share your struggles and triumphs with fellow adoptive parents who truly understand what you're going through. Connect with Ayden: Website Instagram Facebook Twitter (X)

Are you in a season that feels more like survival than hope? What if healing doesn’t look like getting through it but learning to meet God in it? 🌿 Hearing God’s voice isn’t always easy, especially when life feels heavy and faith feels quiet. 💔 Hi Neighbor, In this heartfelt conversation, Jenny Fulford shares how God met her in a season of silence and loss, and how journaling became the tool that helped her listen again. ✍️ Out of that quiet, Laurent Paper Company was born — a faith-based stationery brand designed to help others slow down, notice God’s presence, and respond with hope. Jenny’s story reminds us that healing doesn’t happen overnight. It takes time, honesty, and the courage to show up with what’s real. 💛 Through her experience, she offers a gentle way forward for anyone who’s ever wondered why their faith doesn’t feel as strong as it once did. Together, we talk about: ✨ The power of journaling as a spiritual practice 🌤️ How to make space to hear God’s voice in everyday life 🌱 Why our struggles often become the soil where faith grows And we find comfort in the promise of Isaiah 40:28–31 — “that those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength and rise again.” 🦅 If you’ve ever felt like you’re doing everything right and still can’t hear God, this episode will remind you that He’s not distant. He’s speaking right where you are. 🙏 Anchors of hope and healing are waiting. Your Neighbor, Tim 💙 P.S. If you’ve ever felt lost trying to connect Scripture with the realities of adoption trauma, I’d love to walk alongside you. I’m opening a few free spots for one-on-one conversations where we can talk through practical tools and Biblical encouragement for your journey. 👉 Send me an email at tim@anchorsofencouragement.com to grab your spot. I’d be honored to walk with you. 💙 If you haven’t joined our private community, consider this an invitation. It’s a safe space to share your struggles and triumphs with fellow adoptive parents who truly understand what you're going through. Connect with Jenny: Hearing God Daily Podcast Hear From God Clearly & Confidently Workshop Instagram Facebook  Facebook Group Email  Join the Newsletter

Healing isn’t a quick fix! Patience is the real work of adoption. 💛 How can adoptive parents and adoptees apply these principles in their own journeys? Hi Neighbor, I’ve learned when I wrap up an interview to keep the recording going. Because more often than not, something unexpected and meaningful happens once the microphone should have been turned off. 🎙️ That’s exactly what took place after my conversation with Jackson TerKeurst. You can hear that interview in Episode 201. In this aftershow conversation, what began as a few closing remarks turned into a rich, heartfelt exchange filled with wisdom for both adoptees and adoptive parents. 💬 The journey from chaos to hope isn’t easy—but it’s possible. Jackson’s story takes us from war-torn Liberia and orphanages to a life anchored in faith, trust, and healing.  Together, we talk about: ✨ What it takes to build trust 💪 The power of consistency 🌱 How healing often grows in the soil of patience and faith If you’ve ever wondered whether the waiting will be worth it, or how to stay steady when the path ahead feels uncertain, Jackson’s story will remind you that God’s timing is never late—and that healing happens one faithful step at a time. 🙏 Anchors of Hope and Healing are on the way. Your Neighbor, Tim 💙 P.S. If you haven’t joined our private community, consider this an invitation. It’s a safe space to share your struggles and triumphs with fellow adoptive parents who truly understand what you're going through. Connect with Jackson: Instagram Website Book

“If your own mother won’t fight to keep you, what does that say about you?” Has your adopted child ever asked a question that stopped you in your tracks? Something so deep and painful, you weren’t sure how to answer?💔 Hi Neighbor, In this powerful episode, I sit down again with my friend and trusted adoption professional, Jane Baker. Jane brings decades of experience walking with children and families through the hard work of healing adoption trauma. In the first part of this series, we focused on adopted children who simply want to know their story—how to answer their questions, give them what they need, and respond with honesty and empathy. (You can listen to that conversation in Episode 210.) In this second part, Jane shares wisdom on what to say when your child’s story is hard to tell. This one will make you both laugh and cry. Together, we talk about how to: ✨ Help your child understand that their birth parents’ choices don’t define their worth. 💬 Respond to painful questions with honesty, empathy, and compassion. 🧩 Recognize when your child’s anger is really grief in disguise. 🌿 Create a safe space for healing—one quiet moment, one patient conversation at a time. Jane also shares one of the most profound moments of her career—a conversation with a little boy whose words capture the heartache many adopted children feel. His story will move you deeply and remind you of the sacred work you’re doing as a parent. I’ll also share a Biblical principle from 1 Corinthians 13:4 that ties beautifully into Jane’s wisdom. 📖 Some healing can’t be hurried. God’s love often works in the slow, quiet spaces. If you’ve ever wondered how to walk with your child through pain you can’t fix, this episode will encourage you to stay present, trust God’s timing, and love with patient endurance.💛 Anchors of Hope and Healing are on the way. Your Neighbor, Tim💙 P.S. If you’ve ever felt lost trying to connect Scripture with the realities of adoption trauma, I’d love to walk alongside you. Let’s have a one-on-one conversation where we can talk through practical tools and Biblical encouragement for your journey. 👉 Send me an email at tim@anchorsofencouragement.com to grab your spot. I’d be honored to walk with you. 💙 If you haven’t joined our private community, consider this an invitation. It’s a safe space to share your struggles and triumphs with fellow adoptive parents who truly understand what you're going through. Connect with Jane Baker: Phone: 256-353-8528 Email: JBaker@adoption-associates.com Website: https://www.adoption-associates.com/ Listen to Jane’s Episodes: 8 – Adoption Trauma Defined! Part 1: How to Understand Its Causes and Effects with Jane Baker 9 – Adoption Trauma Defined! Part 2: How to Find Help and a Good Therapist with Jane Baker 86 – When Friends Fail You! How Adoptive Parents Can Heal From Betrayal? With Jane Baker 183 – Adoption Struggles: Wisdom I Wish I Had Known with Jane Baker

Imagine a group of compassionate adoptive parents. A safe place where people GET IT, share encouragement, and offer practical, faith-rooted support. Sounds amazing, right? 💛 Hi Neighbor, I’d like to take a moment to invite you into something special I built for adoptive parents. Something described in three words: compassion, connection, and community. If you’ve ever sat in the quiet after a hard day with your adopted child and thought, “Am I the only one going through this?” 😔 You’re not! I’ve been there too. I eventually found compassion, connection, and community through my anchors of encouragement. But I realized not every adoptive parent has that kind of support. That’s why I created this space: a community of compassionate adoptive parents who understand, who share encouragement, and who offer practical, faith-rooted support. If you’re in a season of difficulty with your adopted children, please take this opportunity to connect with us. We want to be there for you when you cry, when you need encouragement, or a safe embrace. 🤗 You don’t have to walk this journey alone. It's simple to join. Please go to the link in the show notes. Together we can walk this road: One step, One prayer, One season at a time. Compassion, connection, and community. That’s what you'll find when you join us today. We’d be honored to walk alongside you. If you know another adoptive parent who could use this kind of encouragement, would you please share this episode with them? Maybe text it to a friend who’s had a hard week, or post it on your social media. You never know. A simple share might be the lifeline someone else needs today. 💖 Anchors of Hope and Healing are on the way. Your Neighbor, Tim💙 P.S. If you haven’t joined our private community, consider this an invitation. It’s a safe space to share your struggles and triumphs with fellow adoptive parents who truly understand what you're going through. 👉 If this podcast has given you the courage and confidence to face storms in your life, the number one way you can thank me is to leave a written review on Apple Podcasts. I recorded a quick video to show you how. Thanks so much!