
Outward joy is when everyone can see the joy of the Lord spilling out everywhere.
Four years ago I met this little girl. I loved her and still do. She is what people would call a walking miracle. With all the dirt, blood, tears and abandonment in her past she smiles. This little girl is my sister, Anissa. My family adopted her when she was five. When I look at her I see what she’s been through. But this is only because I know. If I were a stranger I never would have guessed it with the biggest smile she wears everyday and the most hopeful look in her eyes. Sometimes I think kids get it more than adults do. She doesn’t stop to think and frown at what had happened. Instead she loves her new life and embraces it everyday. How do I know this? She calls my mom, mom and believes it, she calls my dad, dad and believes it, and she calls Jesus, Jesus and believes it. She is always the one who has to pray at the dinner table. At her adoption July 15th 2011 there was a man who had helped with Anissa’s case and he said “I keep a picture of the old her to remind myself why I do what I do.”
Everyone of the social workers were amazed at how different of a child she was from the first time they’ve met her and who she is that day. A miracle? I know so.
Romans 15:13
“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.”
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Just precious! My 23 year old daughter has a 8 year old foster daughter and we keep the before and after. The heartbreak is that they are trying to put her back with her family. it has opened my eyes to pray more for our children in unfit homes. i felt like I heard your little sister pray, because I did hear our Emma pray!
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Isn’t it crazy? So many broken homes out there its rare these days now to have loving parents.
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What a beautiful story. It is apparent you and your family are blessed beyond measure by each other. So happy that you were all able to find each other. Thank you for sharing.
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What great truth! Kids are so quick to be joyous. They wake each morning renewed. And Jesus so clearly. I hope she always stays so positive!
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Adoption is such a beautiful thing. I encourage anyone who can to do so
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We hope to adopt one day, so sad how many children out there don’t have loving homes and how many people want children but can’t have them.
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That’s awesome it takes people with big hearts to adopt.
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What a wonderful showing of the power of God’s love through people – we can all be powerful agents for God in this world if we listen to Him.
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Great picture and what a powerful story of joy, hope, and God’s love. It’s awesome when adoption stories have happy endings!
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Beautiful pic. I absolutely love Romans 15! May the God of hope FILL us up!
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Kids certainly know God more than we do in many ways. They experience God so innocently. May we all have faith of a child.
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[…] Courageous Child […]
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Beautiful and touching story. Beauty for ashes. May that be our testimony in every area of our lives in Jesus’ name.
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Pinned it to my Adoption Stories bored. She’s so pretty, and I’m not just talking about physically. You has one of those smiles that encourages others. Also, this is a beautiful tribute to your sister.
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Thank you!
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It’s a gorgeous photo! There is so much joy and happiness in her eyes! Lovely story 🙂
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Thank you so much for sharing your beautiful story. You and your family are so blessed.
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I’m so glad she found your family, and what a beautiful little girl to still find positives in her daily life. We need more little girls like her!
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Such a great post. Sharing with friends now.
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Thank you for the share!
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What a beautiful story. She is so beautiful. Your love for her is part of the reson for her smile. So special!
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Such a heartwarming and beautiful story! Thank you so much for letting us in on the love.
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I know a child with a similar story, and it makes me happy every time I see him. Transformations are amazing when kids finally feel loved and safe. What a great story. Your sister is beautiful. Those eyes! I love that she know Jesus loves her, too.
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Beautiful story. I don’t want kids, but I always said that if I ever got the tickle to, i would adopt an older child.
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Wow. What a beautiful story. Thank you so much for sharing!
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Such a beautiful story. Children are more resilient then people expect. ❤
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What a touching story! This is the best testament I’ve heard this week. May she continues to touch peoples heart and be a blessing to your family.
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I am so happy whenever I hear about children getting a better chance at life!
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Thank you for sharing your story. Nothing is so heartwarming than a child to have another chance at life. Kudos to you and your parents who gave this child a new life.
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that is such a lovely story, really amazing of you to share it. You’re a lucky Family for sure.
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Bless! Such a wonderful story. Thank you for sharing it. She is adorable and you have a loving fantastic family.
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The miracle that is giving a child a good home and lots of love. Lovely story.
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She sounds like an amazing and strong young woman! I’m sure she’ll go far in life, with her will and her smile.
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