Several weeks ago I began what I thought would be a series of posts highlighting people who are doing good and having a positive influence on the lives of others. My purpose in doing so was to help us all feel good: all too often we hear of the bad things that people do, without hearing very much about the good. Life can seem pretty negative at times, when stories of inspiration take a backseat to stories of gloom.
But, after writing two such posts, it occurred to me that there are billions of good people. The world has far more good people than bad people. It was obvious to me that I could write these “good people posts” about you: probably all of you could share things you have done in your lives that have been selfless and beneficial to others. I began to think, “why should I write about a few good people when there are countless good people that will go unmentioned?” So, I stayed away from writing such posts until today.
Why am writing one again, after what I just said? Well, for a couple of reasons. For one, we really do need to hear some good news, to help keep perspective. Secondly, there are some people who go so far beyond the norm in doing good that it just seems appropriate to draw special attention to them.
Hence, today I want to draw your attention to a special couple, Jim and Renee, of Steppin’ Heavenward fame. I do not know their last names and was not even aware of them until Jennifer, who runs the Conversion Diary website, mentioned them.
I am tremendously impressed with this couple. From what I can tell, they have at least 11 adopted children! Can you imagine that? Most of us have enough challenge with one or two kids, but to take on the responsibility of caring for almost a dozen? Wow!
I’ve always had a soft spot for people who adopt children. For one, in many cases, those children would not have a chance of having a decent life and of growing up right, except for the sacrifices made by couples who adopt them. Imagine converting someone’s life from hardship, despair, hopelessness, perhaps a life of crime or addiction, … to a life where they have love and guidance and hope.
Another reason I have a soft spot for couples who adopt is that I know how hard it is. Vickie and I raised our oldest granddaughter for several years. Although there were rewards in doing so, it was difficult, too. Adopted children almost always “come with baggage,” such as a deep ingrained lack of trust, as just one example. Trying to create a positive outlook and self-image within them, along with a sense of responsibility and appreciation, is very challenging.
Anyway, when you get a chance, please visit Jim and Renee’s website (Steppin Heavenward) and give them your encouragement and prayers.
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Capo 05.20.08 at 4:03 pm
My old HS girlfriend and her husband fit this motif - in addition to their 3 biological children, they’ve taken in many foster kids over years and ended up adopting two of them. I don’t think I’ve ever visited them when they had fewer than 8 kids in the house. I admire and respect them for it, but it’s not something I could ever do.
Bruce Keener 05.20.08 at 4:08 pm
It sure is admirable, isn’t it Capo? Yup, I doubt that this is something that I could do … very difficult, especially for an old man with little patience. I sure do admire those who do it, though.