Adoption is central to the heart of Christianity. Psalm 68:5 says God is a “father of the fatherless.” Through faith, we are adopted into His family.
Adoption is central to Dr. Laurel Shaler’s heart as well. She’s a counselor, author, and professor at Liberty University, and she and her husband have adopted three children – two in infancy and one through embryo adoption. A medical condition prevented her from conceiving, but her heart was to be a mother, even if she couldn’t be pregnant, give birth, or have biological children.
She helps couples explore unique ways of showing love to children who come into their lives through adoption. She says adoption can never “make up” for what a child has lost, but parents can still love these children well.
She recommends the Five Love Languages Approach:
- Acts of Service
- Gifts
- Physical touch
- Quality time
- Words of Affirmation
She’s my guest on Focus on the Family with Jim Daly to discuss the book she’s written with Dr. Gary Chapman titled Loving Adopted Children Well: A 5 Love Languages’ Approach. Listen to our full conversation on your local radio station, online, on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or listen on our free phone app.
Through God’s grace, we can make a difference in the lives of the 400,000 children currently living in foster care in the United States.
If you’re considering adoption, wondering where to start, or need more information, visit our website Wait No More. We’ll help you discover what you can do to step into the life of a foster child in the name of Christ. Even if you don’t feel led to adopt a child yourself, there are other ways to engage.
Dr. Shaler and Dr. Chapman’s book, Loving Adopted Children Well: A 5 Love Languages’ Approach, is available for a gift of any amount. Click here for more information or call 1-800-A-FAMILY (232-6459).
