{Week 9 Core Need is the need to be unique: delightfully special.}

We’ve explored the need to be included (belong), but how does that interplay with also our good need to be unique?

We talk through this balance with foster and adoptive parents, Brett and Janelle Beimers. Their decision to adopt and foster models Christ’s desire for radical inclusion (belonging), but they still need to see and cultivate each of their children’s unique sense of self. How do they do that? What are the challenges to engaging both needs simultaneously–while also balancing the unique path of foster and adoptive life?

We explore these questions with them while, of course, playing a unique game and talking about our trademark things (and yours, dear listeners!) that make us feel like ourselves.

Highlights:

“One of our family themes or mottos has been, ‘When God is generous to you or blesses you, build a longer table–not a bigger wall.'” –Brett Beimers

“You have the space, you see the need, and then you get the call… There are many many reasons to say ‘no’ [to a child], but there are also many many reasons to say ‘yes.'” –Janelle Beimers

Do the Next Thing:
Check out the Jason Johnson Blog
Check out these websites:

• On adoption and foster care: Michigan’s Adoption Resource Exchange and Empowered to Connect
• On child trauma: ChildTrauma Academy

If you want to ask Janelle or Brett questions about their foster/adoption journeys, reach out to us at podcast@lauriekrieg.com and we will connect you!

Question of the Week for Next Week:
What paradigm did you grow up with around your marital future? That you would get married and have babies, etc.? Or that singleness was an equally valuable option? (Bonus: Where did you hear that message/those messages?)