Breath of Heaven: To Foster Mamas at Christmastime

Foster Parenting has changed me.  It's surreal to look back on the person I was before our amazing adoption journey.  This morning, during our Church Christmas party, we listened to "Breath of Heaven" by Amy Grant as we watched the nativity play out. I have loved this song for years; have been so moved at the fear and trembling Mary must have experienced as she tried to fulfill the calling God placed upon her.
It made me think of other mothers in the trenches.  Other mothers "carrying" children who are partly ours, but partly not. These foster mamas who are giving all they have to their Father in Heaven. Mothers raising children who they may eventually lose only to fulfill God's ultimate plan of redemption. The lyrics brought me to a standstill as I remembered my own journey and thought of your other beautiful warrior mamas battling unknown futures and laying your lives down for His plan:

I have traveled many moonless nights

Cold and weary with a babe inside

And I wonder what I've done

Holy Father, you have come

and chosen me now to carry your son

I am waiting in a silent prayer

I am frightened by the load I bear

In a world as cold as stone

Must I walk this path alone?

Be with me now

Be with me now

Breath of Heaven

Hold me together

Be forever near me

Breath of Heaven

Lighten my Darkness

Pour over me your holiness

For you are Holy

Do you wonder as you watch my face

If a Wiser one should have had my place?

But I offer all I am

to the mercy of your plan

Help me be strong

Help me be 

Help me

Breath of Heaven

Hold me together 

Be forever near me

Breath of Heaven

Lighten my Darkness

Pour over me your holiness

For you are Holy

Mary stands as an example to us all.  We parent these precious children, sometimes just for a season, offering our sacrifice to He who knows all.  Mary must have wondered what would happen to her precious boy.  She must have worried for his future and ached at the thought of her perfect child bearing the sin and grief and weight of all mankind.  Mary fulfilled the role of mother regardless of what the future held.  And so must you, foster Mama.  Just as Our Holy Father held Mary's future, so does He hold the future of our precious foster loves.  Carry On, warrior mamas.  Let Him hold you together.  Let his holiness pour over you as you offer yourself to His children.

The Prince of Peace is asking hard things of you.  You are His Hands and His feet and that means you have HIS strength.  May you feel His peace as we celebrate His coming. May the children in your home feel His peace through your love.  Bless you all.