From Abortion to Adoption With Robin Gerblick

Welcome to the Called to Love Podcast! 

In this episode, I am joined by a fellow adoptive mom, Megan May. Megan is also a self-published book author and creator of the You Matter Boutique which is designed to create meaningful things for both birth-moms and adoptive moms. Originally, Megan wanted zero kids, but God had other plans. Now Megan is the joyful mother to three biological children and one adoptive daughter. 

God does not offer us happiness or comfort in this life but we can definitely experience His joy which is far greater. God also likes to change our plans and change our hearts, which is exactly what happened to Megan. Adoption can feel scary, stressful, and daunting as we might feel unequipped, imposter syndrome, and uncertaintythats why we wanted to emphasize the joy in this episode! 

Here are a few takeaways from our conversation: 

• Adoption can bring immense joy despite its challenges.
• Finding joy in the hard moments is essential.
• It's okay to feel doubt and fear when considering adoption.
• Choosing joy is a daily decision that can transform lives.
• Creating a culture of joy in the home is vital for family dynamics.
• Community support can help find joy during tough times.

Find Megans Self Published Book: From Zero to Four - My Journey Of Stepping Into A Life I Did Not Plan  

Check out the You Matter Boutique 

Follow Megan on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/youmatter.boutique/ 

You can email me your questions about adoption and foster care at somercolbert@gmail.com. I'd love to connect with you on Instagram or send you my monthly newsletter with free resources and first access to episodes and more!

Welcome to the Called to Love Podcast! 

In this episode, I am joined by author and adoptive father, Matt Lambert. Matt and his wife live in the UK with their two adopted children. Through the adoption experience, Matt unpacked some of his own brokenness and began to experience spiritual healing as he was adopted by God. This inspired him to write his book Adopted by God: Healing Through Connection to the Father which is the topic of our conversation. How does the adoption process bring up your own burdens, childhood memories or trauma? For Matt, it was feeling disconnected and misunderstood by his own parents, because he was weird. He reframed this as an adoptive parent in a lightbulb moment as being wired by God in a unique way. This realization helped him in raising his adoptive children, who also have attachment and connection struggles. 

Together, we talk about the spiritual healing that can happen with this calling because it is so closely aligned to Gods love for us - adopting His broken children. We are broken as parents, so how do we raise our adopted and fostered kids, who inherently experience brokenness too? 

Here are a few takeaways from our conversation: 

• Adoption can lead to significant personal growth.
• Therapeutic parenting is essential for adoptive families.
• Self-examination is crucial for effective parenting.
• Neurodiversity impacts family dynamics and parenting styles.
• Healing often comes through understanding one's own brokenness.
• Parenting is a long-term journey, not a quick fix.

Matt Lamberts Book: Adopted by God: Healing through connection to the Father

You can email me your questions about adoption and foster care at somercolbert@gmail.com. I'd love to connect with you on Instagram or send you my monthly newsletter with free resources and first access to episodes and more!

Welcome to the Called to Love Podcast! 

In this episode, I ask the question posed by many in the foster care system: should I adopt my foster kids? How will I know if that is what God is calling me to do? Or what if He says no? I share statistics, information, but also share my personal experience where God told our family no to an adoption and I was not expecting it. As I like to say, in this calling you must love fiercely and hold loosely. In this calling, you have to be prepared for the unexpected, various outcomes, unknown possibilities and know God is with you every step of the way. Prayer is crucial, as well as unity in your marriage, and your support systems. 

Hopefully, through this episode, you are better equipped to face those situations 

Here are a few takeaways: 

• Statistics show that 400,000 children enter foster care annually.
• Adoption through foster care is often unpredictable.
• Foster parents must guard their hearts due to impermanence.
• Congruent planning can put pressure on foster parents.
• Unity in marriage is crucial for decision-making.
• Children in the home should be a top consideration.
• Not every foster child is meant to be adopted.
• Peace in decision-making is a sign of God's will.
• Listening to your body's stress signals is important.

You can email me your questions about adoption and foster care at somercolbert@gmail.com. I'd love to connect with you on Instagram or send you my monthly newsletter with free resources and first access to episodes and more!

Welcome to the Called to Love Podcast! 

In this episode, I am joined by author and adoptive mama, Jessica Mathisen. In light of Foster Care Awareness Month, we discuss Jessicas profound journey into foster care and adoption. We dive into unique family dynamics, the calling to foster care, the challenges faced by foster parents, and the importance of community support. It is crucial there is unity in marriage before stepping into this calling because the support and foundation is needed when facing the emotional, mental, and sometimes physical demands of this calling.  

Our conversation also turns to emotional complexities that come with fostering or adopting such as facing infertility. Jessica shares her personal experiences and insights, providing encouragement and practical advice for those considering or currently navigating the foster care system. Jessica shares her journey through foster care and adoption, discussing the challenges and joys of welcoming children into her home. She emphasizes the importance of community support, the need for older children in care, and the reality of disruptions in foster placements. Jessica also highlights the significance of trusting God's plan and finding joy amidst the challenges. Additionally, she introduces her new children's book, 'No Matter Where I Go,' which aims to provide resources and support for families navigating foster care. 

Here are a few takeaways: 

• Every foster parent has a unique story and experience.
• Motherhood can be defined by love, not biology.
• Building a care team can ease the journey of fostering. 
• Foster care and adoption are not solutions for infertility.
• It's important to involve children in the family mission of fostering.
• Older children in care, especially teenagers, need loving homes.
• Seeing a child in need can change perceptions and reduce fear.
• Disruption in foster care can be necessary for safety.
• Children in foster care still love their biological families.

Learn more about Jessica Mathisen: https://www.jessicanmathisen.com/ 

Connect with Jessica Mathisen: https://www.instagram.com/jessicanmathisen/ 

Her new book and excellent resource for families: click here

Christian Parentings Faith Centered Gift Guide: https://www.christianparenting.org/articles/gifts/ 

You can email me your questions about adoption and foster care at somercolbert@gmail.com. I'd love to connect with you on Instagram or send you my monthly newsletter with free resources and first access to episodes and more!

Welcome to the Called to Love Podcast! 

In this episode, I am joined by Scott Fuller, vice president of advancement at Murphy Harpst Children's Centers. We discuss the importance of community support in foster care, the various programs offered by Murphy Harpst, and share inspiring stories of transformation in the lives of children who have experienced trauma. 

Scott emphasizes the need for churches and families to step up and support these vulnerable children, highlighting the role of mental health resources and the importance of seeking help without shame. 

Here are a few takeaways: 

• Community involvement is crucial for the success of foster care. 
• Children who have experienced trauma can heal with the right support.
• Foster families need ongoing community support to thrive.
• There are many resources available for families in need of help.
• Churches have a responsibility to care for vulnerable children.
• Seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness.
• Every individual can contribute to making a difference in a child's life.

Murphy Harpst website: https://murphyharpst.org/ 

We dont all do the same thing, but we can all do something. -Scott Fuller. 

Reach out to your church or local nonprofits to get involved. Share this podcast and spread awareness. Lets rise up as the body of Christ and pour out the love of God to these kids! 

Christian Parentings Faith Centered Gift Guide: https://www.christianparenting.org/articles/gifts/ 

You can email me your questions about adoption and foster care at somercolbert@gmail.com. I'd love to connect with you on Instagram or send you my monthly newsletter with free resources and first access to episodes and more!