I was wrong.

I have to admit. I was completely wrong. At 24, I believe Katie Davis has more wisdom and understanding than I may have at 80. Before reading her book, many people recommended it to me. In fact, my friend Penny told me that she thought I really needed to read it. I thought the book was intriguing but I also wondered how such a young girl could really be legitimate.

I read books on my IPHONE. I don't have a kindle and I can read the IPHONE font just fine. My husband thinks I am just crazy for doing it but it is fine for me. One night, not long ago, I decided to download Kisses from Katie. I have to say that I read the book in 2 days. Yes friends, the book was finished in 2 days. I could not believe the ways in which God wrecked my heart. Trent asked me what I thought and I told him that he had to read it.

I am astounded by the ways God has used this book as an instrument for healing. When the girls arrived home, I felt a lot of pressure to have answers and, to be honest, be the answer. I knew in my head that I had to rely on God but my heart was trying to fix. I wanted to fix their pain. I wanted to make it all right. I am sure many moms feel this way about their children but I just kept trying and trying. I did not anticipate the "fix it" feeling. There is no boo boo buddy in the world that could calm such hurt.

Katie Davis made me finally realize that I could not fix it. I could not right the horrid wrongs experienced by my adopted children. I can't fix their pain but I can offer them love and care. In the instance where I quit and God begins, I have a front row seat as He heals my children. I read first hand how Katie took care of each of her children. I was encouraged as I read the accounts of the children who came to be in her family. As they received care and love, they began to heal. The past was not something to be erased but something to use as a building block for what was to come.

In American adoption, I think we read and research so much. Lately, there have been so many articles coming out on trauma and the brain. There have so many articles on attachment and how kids attach. Between all the attachment, trauma, food and culture articles, I had filled my head with enough information to host a conference. And yet, I was wrong. I had grossly underestimated the power of Christ's love. I had made assumptions and taken stock of what I needed to do. Katie Davis reminded me that it is only through HIM that we see the whole picture. On the days I felt like running to google, I need to run to HIM. On the days I feel as though I needed to immerse myself in education, I run to HIM.

Please don't mistake my post for a chance to not be educated. Education is important. However, I had been so clinical in some of my approaches that I had missed the point. As I parent all 4 of the kiddos, I need to turn to Christ first. It was a reminder, for me, as to His amazing power. I stand in awe of the things He did in the life of Katie and her children. Through them, He has chosen to change the lives of their community.

With a review like this, you would think I was going on her book tour. There is no way around it. This book is a must read and I cannot recommend it enough. It is now on my bucket list to hopefully meet her one day. Oh, and if you read on your phone, the book is sent right away and there is a small discount. Phone readers unite.

1 Timothy 4:12
Don't let anyone look down on your because you are young,
but set an example for the believers
in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, and in purity.