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20 THINGS ADOPTION PODCAST with Sherrie Eldridge
Many adoptive, foster, stepmoms, and grandmothers are suffering in silence. No one in the world of adoption is giving them the tools for recovery. No one is teaching them how to handle adoptee pushback and rejection. No one is wrapping arms around them and praying when all they can do is cry.
When moms realize the unknown depth of their child’s trauma, a common reaction is self-doubt. If she doesn’t know what happened, how can she find words to help her child process it? It’s terrifying, like climbing Everest without ropes.
She's so self-doubting that she almost always concludes that she doesn't have what it takes to parent her child. Truth be known, she looks over the cliffs of depression more times than she'd care to admit.
- I’m a loser mom.
- I can’t self-regulate, let alone teach my child to do the same.
- I can’t attach with my child...and I never will have it.
- I am inept as a mom.
- I can’t even decide whether to have a peanut butter sandwich.
- I’m a mess.
- I don’t have what it takes.
- I’m a lousy mom.
- I hate myself.
- I’ll never be able to meet my child’s need for mothering.
The good news is that the dream can be reshaped, and in that painful space, God does His most sacred work by meeting us in our brokenness, holding our hearts, and gently replanting hope.
Stay tuned for upcoming podcasts and updates about my upcoming book.
20 THINGS ADOPTION PODCAST with Sherrie Eldridge
Praying for the Wounded Child: A Conversation with Virginia Wells
In this episode, we sit down with Virginia Wells—author, licensed social worker, and adoptive mom—to explore the intersection of faith, adoption, and healing. Virginia shares wisdom from her powerful book Praying for a Wounded Child, offering real-life encouragement and deeply spiritual insights for parents navigating trauma, loss, and complex family journeys. Through personal stories, scriptural guidance, and practical tools like journaling and prayer, Virginia invites us to embrace God's presence in our brokenness and to discover healing for both ourselves and the children we love. Whether you're a parent, caregiver, or simply someone longing for hope, this episode is for you.
Key Takeaways
- Purpose Revealed Through Play: Pay attention to what feels natural and joyful—this can reveal God's calling.
- God Is Enough: In pain and confusion, God's presence is steady, even when we can’t feel it.
- Prayer Doesn't Have to Be Perfect: Honest, simple prayers matter. Use Psalms or prayer books if you're stuck.
- Journaling Heals: Writing or drawing helps release emotions and clarify thoughts—for both adults and kids.
- Adoption Brings Complex Emotions: Kinship and trauma-related adoption require deep compassion and understanding.
- Gratitude Changes Perspective: Practicing thankfulness, even in crisis, brings peace and hope.
- Lean on Community: When you can't pray, reach out—prayer lines and supportive friends can carry you.
- Honesty Welcomes Healing: God values raw, real prayers over polished ones—He meets us in our truth.
- A Needed Resource: Virginia’s book fills a gap with faith-based prayers for parents of children from hard places.
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