A woman I know is dynamic, forward-thinking, focused; a power house in her career who has created success in her chosen industry. She was also in the foster care system from the time she was an infant until she was reunited with extended family at approximately the age of 4.
I asked her to what she attributes her success. Has she ever thought about her qualities, her skills, her abilities and what their origin might be?
She said that when she looked at the blood relatives with whom she spent most of her life she doesn’t see entrepreneurs, business owners, business builders. They are all, for the most part, salaried working people who couldn’t understand why she left a six-figure income to strike out on her own. She doesn’t believe she could have developed her desire or abilities by simply being around them.
“The years from infancy to 3 are vital to a child’s development and I’m convinced that my foster mom added something to my DNA that made me the way I am.”
Imagine being able to impact the life of a child to such a grand extent that you change the trajectory and ultimate outcome of her, or his, entire life! And after that child’s life has taken a positive turn the momentum takes over and changes the lives of each of the successive generations like a snowball gathering more and more snow on its way downhill.
Have you ever thought about becoming a foster mama? What action have you taken to turn that thought into a first step? Have you talked to other people who foster? Researched any agencies? Gone online to the website for your local county’s department of children’s services – ‘just to see?’
If not, why not? What’s stopping you from eternally, positively, lovingly, wisely impacting the life of a child as well as your own? What’s preventing you from creating the life you want – one that includes a child?
It’s perfectly natural to have reservations, hesitations and fears, but if you are holding yourself back because you’ve heard sad stories or you fear difficult feelings down the road please talk to someone who can help you!
May is National Foster Awareness Month. If you have ever considered becoming a foster mama I would love to help you in your journey! And if someone you know has considered it, please forward this to her, ‘cause I’d love to help her, too!
What if it’s time for you to provide a safe, loving home for a child who needs and deserves one? What if it’s time for you to become a foster mama?
Right now, take a moment and affirm for yourself:
I have been blessed with vital gifts to pass on to children with great love!