The Strength of Mercy by Jan Beazely

One of the books that really encouraged me when we began this journey of faith called adoption is, The Strength of Mercy, by Jan Beazely.  The Beazely's started a non-profit, Christian adoption and relief ministry, All God's Children International, after they adopted a child from Romania.  This book describes their journey.  I have read this book 3 times now, and will probably read it again while we wait for our children from Ethiopia.  Here are a few quotes that I highlighted the last time I read it. 

"The truly great things God accomplishes through His people often are not achieved through major events but through small steps of obedience."

"Nothing touches me more than witnessing the "birth" of an adopted child into his or her new family.  These tender transactions of the heart move even the most stoic bystander.  They exemplify the power of a love that knows no borders or boundaries, a love that unites people across cultures and lands."

When their daughter, Hannah, asked if her parents heard her crying from her crib in Romania, her mother said, "Yes, sweetheart, I did hear you crying.  I heard you crying in my heart.  No, we didn't know where to find you, but God did.  You were never lost to Him!  ...He knew before the world began that you would be born to be part of our family."

Deuteronomy 10:21, "He is your praise and He is your God, who has done these great and awesome things for you which your eyes have seen"

Isaiah 14:24, "Surely, just as I have intended so it has happened, and just as I have planned so it will stand."

"Just as physical conception is necessary to bring a child into this world, so a conception has to take place in the heart if two people are going to bring a child into their lives through adoption.  God's promise of a child was as real as any physical pregnancy."

Hosea 14:3, "In Thee the orphan finds mercy" 

Psalm 82:3-4, "Vindicate the weak and fatherless; do justice to the afflicted and destitute.  Rescue the weak and needy; deliver them."

Hannah's birthmom was not able to keep her child, and she began to plea to God on behalf of her child that she would be safe and well.  "But Florinella did not know the strength of God's mercy.  She had no idea that her pleas for the life of her child had touched the heart of God, that He had counted her tears and saved each one.  Her father had heard her prayer (Isaiah 38:5)." 

"God has answered the prayers of two families, not just one"

AND FINALLY:
"This book is a testimony to God's faithfulness and to the strength of His mercy, even for just one child.  The world may view mercy as a sign of weakness, but God has taught me that it is an act of strength to extend mercy to those in need.  Through His own marvelous mercy, God reaches down and stirs the depths of our souls...God is beckoning you and me to go beyond our safe places of comfort.  May His mercy move your heart and take you further than you ever thought possible."

http://www.amazon.com/Strength-Mercy-Making-Difference-World/dp/1578561949
http://www.allgodschildren.org/