When the world tries to make adoption look like a bad thing I want to tell you that Adoption is a blessing. My Life has been blessed by adoption. I am the adoptee. To give you the short version of the story my birthmother was raped and her aunt wanted her to have an illegal abortion and could have arranged it. She told her aunt no and because of her circumstances she made the selfless decision and placed me for adoption. Even in the middle of adversity she saw me as a gift from God, and she felt blessed. She felt blessed back then because she knew that there where couples out there who could not have children. She felt blessed and shared that gift from God with a couple who could not have children.

Adoption is a very loving option. Adoption is not rejection, but it is giving the gift of family to a child who needs a family. When a birthmother chooses adoption for her baby, she is putting herself last and putting the needs of her baby before hers. She is making a selfless decision. When my birthmother chose adoption for me, her only request was that I be placed in a strong Christian home. Yes, adoption is a very difficult decision. Back when I was placed for adoption most adoptions where “closed.” Thinking about my birthmother I truthfully don’t know how she did it. She is a very strong woman and a hero in my life. God blessed my birth mother with one week to care for, love and hold me. She and I were released from the hospital on the same day. I know it was hard for her that day, but I also know she felt at peace because she put her faith and trust in God that he would take care of me.  As I write this, I think about the song by Avalon. There are No Orphans of God. “There are no strangers, there are no outcasts, there are no orphans of God.”

Growing up my parents told me from a very young age that I was adopted. As I grew older, I wondered if my birthmother ever was able to have a baby girl.  When I decided to search for my birthmother, and she gave her permission to have contact with me I found out that she was able to have her baby girl. My Birthmother and her husband adopted her. So my Birthmother is also an adoptive mother. She knows about the blessing of adoption.  When I met my step-sister, I told her I had always wondered if my birthmother was ever able to have her baby girl. I went on to say that I am so glad that you are her daughter.

When I talk about adoption, I always say that Adoption saves lives.   I am grateful for the home that I was raised in. I had a normal life and truthfully to me being the adoptee it didn’t feel any different.  The reason it didn’t feel different is because my adopted family will always be my family.  Adoption truly is a blessing, and it is also the blessing of life!

Sherry Hensley is a Pro-Life Speaker from Maryland. She was conceived in rape, saved from an illegal abortion. She is also a Blogger for Save the 1.  She is married to a minister and enjoys inspiring others and sharing her faith. Her website is thevalueoflife.net