Called to Love: An Adoption Podcast for Christian Parents - Christian Adoption, Trauma and Healing, Foster Care, Parenting Ad

Christian Parenting
Christian Parenting
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Whether you seek to add to your family through foster care, private domestic adoption or you are called to travel internationally, every adoption story is uniquely beautiful. Yet, each shares a common language of calling, loss, and hardship. As Christian parents we have a deep desire to love and shepherd our children well, but it can be challenging to navigate loss, trauma and how to best love and guide our adopted children. One thing is for sure, adoption is more than a process, it is an invitation to go on a holy journey with the Lord and with your family. Like any journey, there will be valleys along with mountain tops and battles along with the beauty. The good news is, what the Lord calls you to, He will equip you for. Wherever you are in your journey, Called to Love is here to bring you a weekly dose of encouragement from the practical, clinical, and Biblical perspective along with personal stories from adoptive parents, adult adoptees and advice from various experts to help your family thrive in your journey and continue to say “yes” to your own call to love. Called to Love is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. To find practical and spiritual advice to help you grow into the parent you want to be visit www.ChristianParenting.org

  1. 6d ago

    Grieving the Story You Didn't Want

    Welcome to the Called to Love Podcast!  For this episode, I am joined by author, social worker, and licensed therapist, Nicole Langman. Nicole’s entire world was turned upside down when she walked through a devastating divorce which filled her life with grief. She was shocked to find a vacuum of support from her church and community.  No one seemed to understand this grief – the loss of dreams and the story you thought you had. This is something we are all too familiar with as adoptive and foster parents. In our conversation, we discuss honoring the broken dreams and stories we prayed for and how to move through it in faith.  Let’s dive in!  Key topics in this episode:  The crickets of grief and the absence of support in non-death lossesHow to honor and validate grief that isn't related to deathCarrying grief in a healthy way that honors the loss and trusts God's sovereigntyThe importance of community, prayer, and support in grief workPractical tools for managing overwhelming emotions and embracing the story that isThe role of faith and biblical examples like Job in enduring sufferingHelping children process grief and loss in a healthy wayThe significance of shifting focus from pain to hope and trust in God's planThe importance of being a good student of your story and learning from itEncouragement for adoptive and foster families to trust God's purpose Learn more about “This Isn't the Story I Wanted: Grieving the Life You Lost and Trusting the God Who Stays” by finding it on Amazon.  To submit your prayer requests, use this form by clicking here!  You can email me your questions about adoption and foster care at somercolbert@gmail.com.  I would love to connect with you on Instagram or send you my monthly newsletter with free resources and first access to episodes and more! Called to Love is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. To learn more, check out their other shows or resources, head to their website: https://www.christianparenting.org/

  2. Sep 22

    When Living in God's Yes Is Harder Than You Expected

    Welcome to the Called to Love Podcast!  For this episode, I am joined by Melissa Miller. Melissa is the mom to five kids, biological and adopted, and she is an advocate for vulnerable children in foster care. Besides being a busy mom, Melissa is also a Reboot Retreat facilitator in her home state Tennessee, the author of “But I Prayed for This” and a contributor to sites such as Mother.ly, Her View from Home, and the YouVersion Bible app. In our conversation today, we unpack all the emotional complexities that come with this calling. This is something we prayed for and yet there is so much pain and grief when the child finally enters our home, and it is hard to wrestle with. It can be hard to share those feelings with others, thinking they will say, “But you prayed for this. This is what you wanted.” The guilt and shame that can come with this feeling, thinking we should be grateful and happy God answered the prayer, but it feels nothing like we imagined. We get into all of this as Melissa shares her story and elaborates more on how we can walk this out in our families.  Let’s dive in!  Key topics in this episode:  Constant changes can cause fatigue and impact familiesThe importance of validation and compassionBalancing grief and gratitude in difficult seasonsBuilding rhythms and routines for stabilityThe role of faith and God's sovereignty in healing Learn more about “But I Prayed for This: What to Do When Living in God's Yes Is Harder Than You Expected” by going to Amazon https://www.amazon.com/But-Prayed-This-Living-Expected-ebook/dp/B0G1K3WXLQ/?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_w=8RtdU&content-id=amzn1.sym.171c1bd3-e559-4de5-8b1c-2e86c02e2e84&pf_rd_p=171c1bd3-e559-4de5-8b1c-2e86c02e2e84&pf_rd_r=134-3507095-9710632&pd_rd_wg=82bqN&pd_rd_r=6756e9e7-82c9-47ee-aae0-a6813988647b  Or Mellisa’s website: https://www.melissamillerwriter.com/  To submit your prayer requests, use this form by clicking here!  You can email me your questions about adoption and foster care at somercolbert@gmail.com.  I would love to connect with you on Instagram or send you my monthly newsletter with free resources and first access to episodes and more! Called to Love is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. To learn more, check out their other shows or resources, head to their website: https://www.christianparenting.org/

  3. Sep 15

    When Open Adoption Becomes Family Part 2

    Welcome to the Called to Love Podcast!  For this episode, I am joined by an incredible family – incredible because this open adoption led to a family growing in a unique way! The three voices joining me on this episode are adoptive parents, Nick and Kelsey Lebos, and the biological mother of their adopted son, Mikayla Little. The three of them bonded immediately when meeting during Mikayla’s pregnancy as she was pursuing the open adoption of her unborn son, Shepherd. God brought them together for a unique purpose and to grow their family in this unconventional way. Mikayla is not only a part of Shepherd’s life but she is also a part of the broader Lebos family. There is so much redemption found in her story because of their love, generosity, obedience to God, and intentionality to build this relationship.  In this two-part conversation, they share their story and I ask questions about navigating the hard parts of adoption. It is never easy for a mother to make this decision and it was something Mikayla did with a lot of prayer and preparation and love for her son. There are a lot of assumptions or misconceptions about biological mothers which is so disheartening because we have the opportunity as adoptive parents to love them both: child and mother. Not every open adoption is going to look like this – this is their story – but it is good to know what is possible thanks to our amazing God, and what happens when we are faithful in this calling.  Let’s dive in!  Key topics in this episode:  The emotional journey of adoption: both joy and grief. The role of faith and prayer in family decisionsThe importance of openness and transparency in adoptionThe significance of intentional relationship-building in open adoptions and maintaining relationshipsThe role of faith and prayer during emotional momentsBuilding a family through love and intentionalityThe importance of community and extended family in adoption To submit your prayer requests, use this form by clicking here!  You can email me your questions about adoption and foster care at somercolbert@gmail.com.  I would love to connect with you on Instagram or send you my monthly newsletter with free resources and first access to episodes and more! Called to Love is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. To learn more, check out their other shows or resources, head to their website: https://www.christianparenting.org/

  4. Sep 8

    When Open Adoption Becomes Family Part 1

    Welcome to the Called to Love Podcast!  For this episode, I am joined by an incredible family – incredible because this open adoption led to a family growing in a unique way! The three voices joining me on this episode are adoptive parents, Nick and Kelsey Lebos, and the biological mother of their adopted son, Mikayla Little. The three of them bonded immediately when meeting during Mikayla’s pregnancy as she was pursuing the open adoption of her unborn son, Shepherd. God brought them together for a unique purpose and to grow their family in this unconventional way. Mikayla is not only a part of Shepherd’s life but she is also a part of the broader Lebos family. There is so much redemption found in her story because of their love, generosity, obedience to God, and intentionality to build this relationship.  In this two-part conversation, they share their story and I ask questions about navigating the hard parts of adoption. It is never easy for a mother to make this decision and it was something Mikayla did with a lot of prayer and preparation and love for her son. There are a lot of assumptions or misconceptions about biological mothers which is so disheartening because we have the opportunity as adoptive parents to love them both: child and mother. Not every open adoption is going to look like this – this is their story – but it is good to know what is possible thanks to our amazing God, and what happens when we are faithful in this calling.  Let’s dive in!  Key topics in this episode:  The emotional journey of adoption: both joy and grief. The role of faith and prayer in family decisionsThe importance of openness and transparency in adoptionThe significance of intentional relationship-building in open adoptions and maintaining relationshipsThe role of faith and prayer during emotional momentsBuilding a family through love and intentionalityThe importance of community and extended family in adoption To submit your prayer requests, use this form by clicking here!  You can email me your questions about adoption and foster care at somercolbert@gmail.com.  I would love to connect with you on Instagram or send you my monthly newsletter with free resources and first access to episodes and more! Called to Love is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. To learn more, check out their other shows or resources, head to their website: https://www.christianparenting.org/

  5. Aug 31

    Teaching Our Kids and Ourselves That We Are Capable

    Welcome to the Called to Love Podcast!  For this episode, I am joined by the amazing Dr. David Thomas, co-author of the book, “Capable: How to Teach Your Kids the Strengths, Skills, and Strategies to Build Resilience” and I am so excited to learn with you from this wealth of knowledge! Dr. David and his co-author, Sissy Goff, are therapists at Daystar Counseling Ministries. Through their counseling, podcast, and books and speaking, they've made it their life’s work to offer practical help and hope to families through their resources and experience.  In our conversation today, Dr. David unpacks the anxiety crisis in our children across the country. Dr. David shares a brutal statistic that roughly 1 in 4 kids struggle with anxiety, but also 1 in 3 adults also struggle with anxiety as well! Dr. David and Sissy keep finding children in their counseling sessions saying they aren’t capable, but what’s worse is they actually don’t want to be. These kids are incredibly risk adverse, but healthy risk is a huge part of building that confidence and capability in life. Life is hard but it is also full of “good stories” as Dr. David puts it. Dr. David shares practical information to equip us as parents for not only how to better help our kids but to help ourselves too. We are capable of this calling God has given us!  Let’s dive in!  Key topics in this episode:  The capability crisis among children and teensThe impact of anxiety and trauma on resilienceThe importance of pacing in child developmentBuilding independence through chores and risk-takingThe unique needs of foster and adoptive childrenThe role of parental confidence and authorityPractical tools for teaching emotional regulationThe significance of experiential learning and hard thingsThe influence of culture and technology on capabilityResources for supporting resilient families Learn more about Raising Boys and Girls on their website and purchase their new book and resource, “Capable: How to Teach Your Kids the Strengths, Skills, and Strategies to Build Resilience”  https://www.raisingboysandgirls.com/capablebook?srsltid=AfmBOoprP_aLWKPGFOynb8NdMiZ6wfHbAWaYy8tzk28GbW5HEEfWs6r4  To submit your prayer requests, use this form by clicking here!  You can email me your questions about adoption and foster care at somercolbert@gmail.com.  I would love to connect with you on Instagram or send you my monthly newsletter with free resources and first access to episodes and more! Called to Love is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. To learn more, check out their other shows or resources, head to their website: https://www.christianparenting.org/

  6. Aug 25

    Bringing Comfort and Dignity to Kids Coming From Hard Places

    Welcome to the Called to Love Podcast!  For this episode, I am joined with the founder of Lily Pad: Jennifer Tice. Jennifer worked for fourteen years as a labor and delivery nurse and her husband worked for two decades in law enforcement. Together, they decided they would open their home to foster kids. It began with infants, since that was Jennifer’s background, but then they made the pivotal switch to teenagers… and it sparked Lily Pad. When they welcomed their first teenager, Jennifer and her husband realized these kids sleep in cubicles or cold office spaces while waiting for placement.  While we can’t change what has happened to these kids, we can try to minimize more harm by treating them with dignity, care, and providing comfort. That is how Lily Pad was born. Jennifer and her husband began creating spaces for these kids, a space that looks and feels like a home living room, so there’s just a little bit more comfort in these dark moments between the police station and DSS offices.  In our conversation today, Jennifer shares her story, the origins and mission of Lily Pad, but also how we as foster and adoptive parents can bring comfort and dignity to these kids coming from hard places.  Let’s dive in!  Key topics in this episode:  The origin and mission of Lily PadThe impact of creating comfortable spaces for children in careThe importance of dignity and love in foster careStories of connection and healing in Lily Pad roomsExpanding support to law enforcement and beyondPractical advice for prospective foster familiesWays you can make your own space at home filled with comfort and dignity Lily Pad’s website: https://www.lilypadinc.org/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lily.pad.inc/  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LilyPadInc  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LilyPad.ASoftPlacetoLand  To submit your prayer requests, use this form by clicking here!  You can email me your questions about adoption and foster care at somercolbert@gmail.com.  I would love to connect with you on Instagram or send you my monthly newsletter with free resources and first access to episodes and more! Called to Love is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. To learn more, check out their other shows or resources, head to their website: https://www.christianparenting.org/

  7. Aug 18

    I Need a Do-Over: Giving Our Children Tools for Communication

    Welcome to the Called to Love Podcast!  For this episode, I am joined by a father and daughter duo! Dr. Emerson Eggerichs and his daughter, Joy Eggerichs Reed, have written a book together called, “Beega Gets a Do-Over: A Gigglies Adventure About Communication.” Dr. Emerson is a bestselling author on the New York Times list and has a PhD in child and family ecology. The new book was inspired from a bedtime story Dr. Emerson told Joy as a child. Now, Joy is a mother of three, and together they brought this book to life to help kids communicate.  In the context of adoption and foster care, we as parents can struggle with helping our kiddos communicate. This fun, upbeat, imaginative story paints a picture for how kids can apologize by asking for a “do over.” In our conversation, Joy and Dr. Emerson share more practical information about forgiveness, relationship repair, emotional vocabulary, nonverbal cues, and teaching our kids empathy among all those other social skills.  Let’s dive in!  Key topics in this episode:  The concept of 'do-over' as a tool for teaching forgiveness and repairThe importance of emotional vocabulary and reading nonverbal cuesBalancing consequences with repair in disciplineTeaching empathy to children operating in survival modeThe role of intentional questions in fostering curiosity and understanding Learn more about the Land of Nuf on their website https://www.loveandrespectacademy.com/land-of-nuf  And pre-order the book, “Beega Gets a Do-Over: A Gigglies Adventure About Communication” https://www.amazon.com/Beega-Gets-Do-Over-Adventure-Communication/dp/1400257697  To submit your prayer requests, use this form by clicking here!  You can email me your questions about adoption and foster care at somercolbert@gmail.com.  I would love to connect with you on Instagram or send you my monthly newsletter with free resources and first access to episodes and more! Called to Love is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. To learn more, check out their other shows or resources, head to their website: https://www.christianparenting.org/

  8. Aug 11

    Understanding and Caring for Children With Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Disorders

    Welcome to the Called to Love Podcast!  For this episode, I am joined by Sandra Flach. After adopting her youngest son in 2010, Sandra co-founded Justice For Orphans and started The Adoption & Foster Care Journey Podcast. She is dedicated to equipping foster and adoptive families. As a trauma-informed educator and certified FASCETS facilitator, she specializes in Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD), blending professional training with personal lived experience to provide practical, strength-based strategies for caregivers and churches.  Author of Orphans No More and Soul Care Saturday, she regularly speaks at national conferences and co-leads the Hope for the FASD Journey virtual support community. She lives in upstate New York with her husband of over 30 years, Wayne, with whom she has raised eight children—five through adoption—and remains passionate about ensuring caregivers never walk their journey alone. In this conversation, Sandra shares her personal journey to adoption, the mistakes made along the way, and how she learned about FASD and became such an advocate. She provides valuable information – she is a wealth of knowledge! – and also provides so much hope for us.  Let’s dive in!  Key topics in this episode:  What is fetal alcohol spectrum disorder and its prevalenceThe impact of prenatal alcohol exposure on brain developmentRecognizing symptoms and behaviors associated with FASDThe importance of connection and support in parenting FASD childrenResources and training available for parents and professionalsThe role of diagnosis and how to pursue itStrategies for accommodations and loving supportHope and neuroplasticity in healing and growth Learn more about Sandra with her website.  Check out her memoir, “Orphans No More: A Journey Back to the Father” Check out her devotional, “Soul Care Saturday: 52 Devotions for Foster & Adoptive Moms”  To submit your prayer requests, use this form by clicking here!  You can email me your questions about adoption and foster care at somercolbert@gmail.com.  I would love to connect with you on Instagram or send you my monthly newsletter with free resources and first access to episodes and more! Called to Love is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. To learn more, check out their other shows or resources, head to their website: https://www.christianparenting.org/

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Whether you seek to add to your family through foster care, private domestic adoption or you are called to travel internationally, every adoption story is uniquely beautiful. Yet, each shares a common language of calling, loss, and hardship. As Christian parents we have a deep desire to love and shepherd our children well, but it can be challenging to navigate loss, trauma and how to best love and guide our adopted children. One thing is for sure, adoption is more than a process, it is an invitation to go on a holy journey with the Lord and with your family. Like any journey, there will be valleys along with mountain tops and battles along with the beauty. The good news is, what the Lord calls you to, He will equip you for. Wherever you are in your journey, Called to Love is here to bring you a weekly dose of encouragement from the practical, clinical, and Biblical perspective along with personal stories from adoptive parents, adult adoptees and advice from various experts to help your family thrive in your journey and continue to say “yes” to your own call to love. Called to Love is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. To find practical and spiritual advice to help you grow into the parent you want to be visit www.ChristianParenting.org

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