Adversity

I am at the Western Washington FSA Conference in Seattle today and tomorrow and have had a great time so far. So many great messages have been shared, and some that I really needed to hear; particularly the fireside tonight. The theme was adversity. Tara spoke, along with another birth mother and an adoptive mother.

Each woman that spoke has been through some incredibly difficult trials (and I mean very difficult) but they are all courageous and faithfully continuing on. Although it may be depressing to some, I actually enjoy hearing the adversities that others face. I love to hear their successes and growth throughout the trial. Each person has their 'cross to bear' in this life, and many of us have multiple crosses to carry throughout the years. 

Although I am only 24 years old, I feel like I have been through some very hard trials, at least for me. But, that doesn't mean I won't go through harder things later on, although I might wish I wouldn't. I've realized that these adversities are what make us who we are.

I got this quote from my friend Tara's Facebook page & I LOVE it!

"When the Japanese mend broken objects, they aggrandize the damage by filling the cracks with gold. They believe that when something's suffered damage and has a history it becomes more beautiful."           ~Barbara Bloom

We should not be ashamed of our struggles or secretly hurting inside without asking for help. One of the best ways to heal is to let people help and to be involved. Once you have experienced a trial, an amazing way to heal is to give back to those that are experiencing the same thing. I am so grateful I have been able to go to birthmom group before and after placement. It has been one of the greatest aids in my therapy. 

Seeing others survive and find happiness through adoption gave me so much hope. I love giving others that same hope. I pray you all find the strength to seek the help you need to face the adversities that will surely come to you. Our trials give us a beautiful history.