Guest Post by Norma Poore (and some bonuses)
At six years old I was a red-headed, freckled-faced little girl and an orphan once again. I believed I was unlovable. With the death of my foster mom, I was taken from my beloved family who could no longer take care of me.
In less than a year I was placed in three foster homes before landing in the fourth. I wondered how could anyone love me when my own mother gave me away. But this home was different. I had visited this family many times and spent weekends with them in the past.
A few months later, my social worker took me out for one of our regularly scheduled outings so we could talk. The last thing she told me was something I will never ever forget. I was chosen.
It was Dad who decided it was time to pursue my adoption. He said that I fit in the family as much as their boys. I was supposed to be theirs.
Dad was a sergeant of the Miami Dade Police Department for 30 years. He worked hard to provide for his family, sometimes working three jobs to provide not just our needs, but great memories, too. One of my favorite childhood memories is polishing his shoes and belt with all its attachments. Each time he dressed for work, I felt like I was part of his uniform.
Another precious memory is all the years Dad a big heart-shaped box of chocolates to Mom for Valentine’s Day, and a small one to me. A strong, stoic man, but so tender and silly with his little girl.
“I want my girls to know how special they are.” Daddy would say.
Because of Daddy, when I began attending church as an adult, it wasn’t hard to understand the truth of God’s desire to adopt me into his family by faith in Jesus Christ. God extends this invitation of adoption to you, also. He is a father to the fatherless, according to Psalm 68:5.
“And I will be a father to you, and you shall be sons and daughters to me,” says the Lord Almighty. (2 Corinthians 6:18 NASB)
Daddy was a great example of such love. He wasn’t perfect (none of us are) but he did his best to lead his family by example. Many of the things I hold dear today are because of what I saw in him — respect for authority and elders, honesty and integrity to name a few. His work ethic wore off on all four of us kids. Daddy never abused his authority. He took his call to serve and protect seriously. This made such an impact, that two of my brothers became police officers and I worked for many years in the court system.
In this time of people idolizing athletes and movie stars, my hero is Daddy. I say with complete confidence I am loved and twice adopted. Thank you Daddy; thank you Heavenly Father.
For you have not received a spirit of slavery leading to fear again, but you have received a spirit of adoption as sons by which we cry out, “Abba! Father!” Romans 8:15 NASB
Norma Poore has been married for thirty-eight years and has six children—two of them adopted. She was a mom to many as a foster parent for over seven years. Norma understands the compassion these children need because she was a foster child for several years herself. Her faith in Jesus has brought her through many trials, especially with her special needs children. Norma writes inspirational encouragement and romantic suspense.
Norma and I met through the Jerry Jenkins Writers Guild. She is a member of our writers group comprised of eight women which formed in the guild four years ago.
Keep Scrolling! More below.
Honored to have my article A Father to the Fatherless featured on Southern Ohio Christian Voice: Our culture tends to demean men and undermine the important role of fathers, then wonders at the staggering numbers of fatherless and troubled children. To the fathers who stick it out and stand up for their families, and to the men who step up to the plate to fill someone else’s shoes—thank you… If you grew up with an absent or abusive father, God can break the cycle of destruction. He wants to heal and help you…A wise friend once told me, “You have the right to be angry, but…”
CLICK HERE to continue reading A Father to the Fatherless on Southern Ohio Christian Voice
It’s been a very busy few weeks for our family. I thought I’d share the highlights with you.
After quite the hunt Anna and Nick were finally ably to find a town hall that agreed to meet them outside and issue a marriage licence.
On June 6th 2020 our beloved daughter Anna married Nick in a small intimate ceremony at a beautiful Airbnb. Beautiful day; beautiful couple. The guest list was whittled down to immediate family due to the pandemic, but they plan to celebrate with the bigger bash originally planned next year.
Yes, I made the cake and the bouquets and my husband, Roy, did a great job on the cake stand.
And on June 13th our youngest child, our son Andrew, graduated high school at a Corona style parking lot ceremony Hosted by MassHope with about 35 other families. Andrew graduated with 34 college credits and is in process of starting his own auto detailing business. And yes, I made the mask too.
Did you miss my video interview with U.S. Army Chaplain Brad Lee and his wife Lori? They are amazing!
A Father’s Day Message [a message for everyday] from U.S. Army Chaplain Brad Lee
I may as well embarrass myself and join the masked parade in this post and perhaps give you a little comic relief with my 1 minute video I made a few weeks ago. We’re still short on Charmin and a few other things here!
Happy Father’s Day to all the dad’s out there! God bless you and your families.
And buckle up folks! I’m about to switch gears with some some upcoming posts.
Resources
U.S. Army Chaplain Brad Lee’s Special Needs Marriage and Family YouTube Channel
Part 2: A Conversation with U.S. Army Chaplain, Special Needs Parent and Writer Brad Lee
Focus on the Family – Resources for Families
Dr. James Dobson’s Family Talk Radio
In Step with My Father on Southern Ohio Christian Voice: “I remember Daddy holding my hand as we entered the gates to the botanical gardens, Wrigley’s gum, Elephant Ear pastries, Matchbox cars, him carrying me when I was hurt, and scraping every speck of black pepper off my food. And bumper cars. I hated them, but I never told him because I liked to hear him laugh—and we were together… Click HERE to continue
© 2020 Rachael M Colby Tattoo It On Your Heart
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So awesome to see your post, Norma! I love this insight into your life. Your relationship with your father is a beautiful testament to us all!
Rachael, thank you for sharing this with all of us, and again, congratulations to you, your daughter, and your son!
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Thanks, Melissa! and amen to all you said about Norma.
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Thank you for this heartwarming post Ms. Norma; and thank you for sharing her story on your blog Ms. Rachael. Blessings all around ladies.
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My honor, JD. and thank you for your faithful support, JD. Blessings on you and yours also.
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Very nice guest post on this Father’s Day. Norma!
And Rachael, you do so much that you make the woman in Proverbs 31 look like she has it easy. You stay up all night making sure those special events come out perfect for your family. ~ Ben C.
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Grateful for Norma’s friendship and to be on the writing journey with her, and honored to share a bit of her story here.
Ben-I’m just ordinary trying to keep up with everything. If I got my act together maybe I wouldn’t have to pull all nighters! -Thanks for stopping by. Appreciate you.
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