As I approach the release date for my new book, I've been really surprised at how people assume they know what it's about. Nine times out of ten, they are TOTALLY wrong.
I can't even count anymore the number of people who have said, "I thought your new book was about orphans and adoption." Really? Adoption? Orphans?
At first, honestly, it frustrated me, because my book is not an adoption/orphan crisis book. It's about helping the poor and the needy. Does that include orphans? Of course. But it also includes how we as Christians can help the needy in our everyday lives- the homeless, the single parents, the hungry, the impoverished, the thirsty, the prisoner, the widow, the foster child, the abused, the foreigner, and the destitute.
My book encompasses ways to help anyone who is considered needy by the standard of Matthew 25 when Jesus says, "I was hungry and you fed me. I was thirsty and you gave me a drink. I was naked and you clothed me. I was a stranger and you invited me in. I was sick and you came to me. I was in prison and you visited me."
After many, many times of people assuming that my book is about orphans and adoption, and getting frustrated each time, I began to realize that it's the fruit in my life that leads them to this assumption.... and that's not a bad thing. In fact, I'm now learning to take it as a compliment.
I have adopted children. I have advocated for orphans. I'm flattered that people see spiritual fruit in my life and that fruit is "bright enough" that they even assume that if I've written a book then it must be about social justice for orphans/adoption.... well, that's a *good* thing. That's a very good thing!
I want my life to exude Christ and his love for the needy. If at the forefront of that exuding is a picture of social justice for orphans, then praise God!
I'll continue to advocate for orphans and for others in need who need despirately to see us as Christians caring for them like Jesus would.
My book is not about me. It's about Christ and His love for the least. And "the least" certainly includes orphans. And for all of us as Christians, ultimately hearing Jesus say, "whatever you did for one of the least of these, you did it to me," is a central focus for the time He's entrusted to us here on earth.
So if you've assumed that my book is about orphans/adoption, then THANK YOU! I'm learning to take it as a very high compliment! I'm in awe that you see that fruit growing brightly in my life! I can't wait to meet you in the pages of my new book to show you other people groups who are poor and needy and share with you just how to care for them in practical ways in your everyday life!
To pre-order my book, A Cup of Cold Water in His Name, click here.
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