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A Call to Love: Preparing Your Heart and Soul for Adoption
Are you considering or entering the adoption or foster care process? A Call to Love joins you in your journey, offering spirit-filled wisdom and encouragement through the first year with a new child. Devotional exercises will equip you to record your thoughts and emotions. You will also receive spiritual insights from many adoptive parents, including stories from people who have adopted from the foster-care system.
As parents, we never know what to expect. That is all too true for many adoptive parents whose children are more prone to battle mental illness. Don’t struggle alone! Through a variety of stories, you will receive strength and encouragement so you can seek appropriate help as needed.
Author Julie Holmquist guides parents along the journey and vulnerably unpacks the struggles and joys of her own adoption stories. A Call to Love helps you fully prepare both emotionally and spiritually for the path God may be calling you to walk.
As parents, we never know what to expect. That is all too true for many adoptive parents whose children are more prone to battle mental illness. Don’t struggle alone! Through a variety of stories, you will receive strength and encouragement so you can seek appropriate help as needed.
Author Julie Holmquist guides parents along the journey and vulnerably unpacks the struggles and joys of her own adoption stories. A Call to Love helps you fully prepare both emotionally and spiritually for the path God may be calling you to walk.
256 pages, Paperback
Published May 8, 2018
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
May 25, 2018
Anyone and everyone considering adoption should read this important book.
From a Christ-centered perspective Julie touches on all the questions, fears, doubts, insecurities, and struggles of those considering or starting the process of adoption.
Written from one who has “been there, done that”, she shares her family’s story of adoption (as well as others’ experiences) as she guides you through all the issues you may face. Pertinent scripture verses are sprinkled throughout. Prayer and Bible reading are encouraged as you embark on this journey as well as maintaining a close relationship with God.
At the end of each chapter is a “rest stop” with Scripture or questions for reflection. And a “journey journal” is encouraged to help you track what you are thinking and feeling and learning along this journey.
Befittingly, Chapter 1 discusses expectations, which is a great place to start. There are chapters to assist you in making decisions, to help you during the process, and to guide you at home after adoption. Julie shares what she and her family have learned and imparts real and practical advice for many situations, emotions, fears, and hurdles you will encounter.
On page 25 there is a list of 7 core issues that adopted children may deal with, in contrast to children who grow up in a family of origin (According to social workers Deborah Silverstein and Sharon Kaplan-Roszia) : loss, rejection (abandonment), guilt/shame, identity, intimacy (relationships), and mastery/control.
Since many children are not adopted at birth, but later in their development and experience, on pages 28-30 the author lists several other useful books that can help you in parenting wounded children.
As she ends the book she makes sure you know that it’s all worth it: the risk, the struggles, the financial burden, the waiting, the joy and the sorrow. I recommend this book to anyone considering adoption, starting the journey, or already down the road. You will gain much-needed wisdom, insight, and inspiration .
My personal opinion: With all due respect to the author and her family’s story, for those who are considering adoption or are early in the process, I suggest you stop reading at the top of page 203. Just know that “it is worth it”. Then maybe a few years down the road, read the last 17 pages.
From a Christ-centered perspective Julie touches on all the questions, fears, doubts, insecurities, and struggles of those considering or starting the process of adoption.
Written from one who has “been there, done that”, she shares her family’s story of adoption (as well as others’ experiences) as she guides you through all the issues you may face. Pertinent scripture verses are sprinkled throughout. Prayer and Bible reading are encouraged as you embark on this journey as well as maintaining a close relationship with God.
At the end of each chapter is a “rest stop” with Scripture or questions for reflection. And a “journey journal” is encouraged to help you track what you are thinking and feeling and learning along this journey.
Befittingly, Chapter 1 discusses expectations, which is a great place to start. There are chapters to assist you in making decisions, to help you during the process, and to guide you at home after adoption. Julie shares what she and her family have learned and imparts real and practical advice for many situations, emotions, fears, and hurdles you will encounter.
On page 25 there is a list of 7 core issues that adopted children may deal with, in contrast to children who grow up in a family of origin (According to social workers Deborah Silverstein and Sharon Kaplan-Roszia) : loss, rejection (abandonment), guilt/shame, identity, intimacy (relationships), and mastery/control.
Since many children are not adopted at birth, but later in their development and experience, on pages 28-30 the author lists several other useful books that can help you in parenting wounded children.
As she ends the book she makes sure you know that it’s all worth it: the risk, the struggles, the financial burden, the waiting, the joy and the sorrow. I recommend this book to anyone considering adoption, starting the journey, or already down the road. You will gain much-needed wisdom, insight, and inspiration .
My personal opinion: With all due respect to the author and her family’s story, for those who are considering adoption or are early in the process, I suggest you stop reading at the top of page 203. Just know that “it is worth it”. Then maybe a few years down the road, read the last 17 pages.
June 25, 2018
Being an Enneagram 5 means I'm constantly looking for resources and learning as much as I can. And one of those subjects I'm always wanting to learn more about is adoption. I know that adoption was laid on my heart at an early age, and it is in the future of our family, though we are not ready yet. But I'm always picking up books, and my newest grab is A Call to Love: Preparing Your Herat and Soul for Adoption by Julie Holmquist.
A Call to Love: Preparing Your Heart & Soul for Adoption
Holmquist approaches this topic from the standpoint of having been there too. She has wrangled with the questions of a pre-adoptive parent and a post-adoptive parent. She's struggled with the pain of adoption and the joys of adoption.
This book will walk you through the process - answering questions you have and even some you didn't know you have about making the decision to adopt, going through the process of adoption, and what it looks like when a child enters your home. Holmquist points you back to Christ and scripture constantly; reminding you that He is the only one who will truly get you through the ups and downs of adoption.
This book felt hopeful, while still addressing the struggle and the pain. Holmquist doesn't have what you might call a "perfect" adoption story. Throughout the book, Holmquist shares bits of her families story of adoption and the stories of others. You see the beautiful moments and also see the real struggles that can occur as a result of welcoming another broken soul into your family.
Holmquist's story is heartbreaking. But it also reminds the reader that we, as followers of Jesus Christ, are called to care for the orphans no matter what unknowns are coming ahead. That loving the less than is loving Jesus Christ.
This book is filled with stories of "me too" and hope. It's inspired my heart, even more, to look for ways to help care for the orphans and those that take them in while we are in our waiting journey.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher. This review is my own, honest opinion.
A Call to Love: Preparing Your Heart & Soul for Adoption
Holmquist approaches this topic from the standpoint of having been there too. She has wrangled with the questions of a pre-adoptive parent and a post-adoptive parent. She's struggled with the pain of adoption and the joys of adoption.
This book will walk you through the process - answering questions you have and even some you didn't know you have about making the decision to adopt, going through the process of adoption, and what it looks like when a child enters your home. Holmquist points you back to Christ and scripture constantly; reminding you that He is the only one who will truly get you through the ups and downs of adoption.
This book felt hopeful, while still addressing the struggle and the pain. Holmquist doesn't have what you might call a "perfect" adoption story. Throughout the book, Holmquist shares bits of her families story of adoption and the stories of others. You see the beautiful moments and also see the real struggles that can occur as a result of welcoming another broken soul into your family.
Holmquist's story is heartbreaking. But it also reminds the reader that we, as followers of Jesus Christ, are called to care for the orphans no matter what unknowns are coming ahead. That loving the less than is loving Jesus Christ.
This book is filled with stories of "me too" and hope. It's inspired my heart, even more, to look for ways to help care for the orphans and those that take them in while we are in our waiting journey.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher. This review is my own, honest opinion.
March 29, 2019
This book is a great read for anyone considering adoption or foster care. The author shares her family’s personal struggles and triumphs throughout their adoption journey.
“Adoption cannot exist without a child’s loss. As adoptive parents, we’re called to help rebuild after that loss, with the hope that we will one day see our children resting firmly on the foundation of God.”
“Welcoming a child into your home and your life is definitely something to celebrate. Yet an adoption is often just the beginning of a child’s healing process. Chances are you’ll be helping this child heal from the loss, trauma, or developmental delays, and that isn’t a simple thing to do. Yes, the process can be rewarding and beautiful, but it can also be exhausting, frightening, confusing, and extremely frustrating.”
“While it’s only human to want a happy ending and to pray for it, it’s dangerous to believe we only need to follow a formula to obtain it. If we believe that, we’re deceiving ourselves. We’re telling ourselves that we’re in control, not God. We must give the beginnings, the middles, and the endings to the Lord. We must concentrate on being faithful to God no matter the outcome-whether we are able to adopt a certain child or not, whether a child we adopt ends up having bipolar disorder, grows up to work in ministry, makes us proud grandparents, or struggles with addiction.”
“Adoption cannot exist without a child’s loss. As adoptive parents, we’re called to help rebuild after that loss, with the hope that we will one day see our children resting firmly on the foundation of God.”
“Welcoming a child into your home and your life is definitely something to celebrate. Yet an adoption is often just the beginning of a child’s healing process. Chances are you’ll be helping this child heal from the loss, trauma, or developmental delays, and that isn’t a simple thing to do. Yes, the process can be rewarding and beautiful, but it can also be exhausting, frightening, confusing, and extremely frustrating.”
“While it’s only human to want a happy ending and to pray for it, it’s dangerous to believe we only need to follow a formula to obtain it. If we believe that, we’re deceiving ourselves. We’re telling ourselves that we’re in control, not God. We must give the beginnings, the middles, and the endings to the Lord. We must concentrate on being faithful to God no matter the outcome-whether we are able to adopt a certain child or not, whether a child we adopt ends up having bipolar disorder, grows up to work in ministry, makes us proud grandparents, or struggles with addiction.”
July 17, 2018
I've read quite a few books about adoption, orphan care, trauma, and "kids from hard places." As a result, nothing in A Call to Love was particularly revelatory or new to me, but it was still full of good reminders and encouragement. The story of the Holmquist family's adoption of two Russian adolescents, interwoven with practical suggestions and meditations, was particularly moving.
Be aware that this is a Christian book. It still contains wisdom that secular readers can appreciate, and the Holmquist family's story is a sobering reality check (and source of inspiration) for anyone considering adoption, but ultimately this is a book about faith.
(I received a digital copy of this book for free through a Goodreads giveaway.)
Be aware that this is a Christian book. It still contains wisdom that secular readers can appreciate, and the Holmquist family's story is a sobering reality check (and source of inspiration) for anyone considering adoption, but ultimately this is a book about faith.
(I received a digital copy of this book for free through a Goodreads giveaway.)
February 16, 2024
A very insightful read for anyone looking to adopt. We are going to pursue adoption at some point in the future and I’ve been searching for books to prepare my heart and mind for what our family will walk through - the rewards, the tough moments, etc. This book had wonderful and (honestly) really hard to read, raw stories of adoption. I was thankful for real conversation and stories about the difficulties that may be brought up through an adoptees’ life but the power of Christ to bring healing.
February 3, 2025
Excellent for everyone, whether involved in foster care and adoption or not. This book gives excellent insight on how to support those who have fostered or adopted, and it gives hope and wisdom to those who are "in the thick of it." Holmquist is transparent and this book is a must read for everyone!
March 30, 2025
This was such a great and helpful resource. While it doesn’t have many practical “here’s what to do” tips for adoption, it focuses so intently on the spiritual aspects of adoption. These stories opened my heart in a new way for adoption and I will continue to come back to this book for helpful reminders throughout our journey. Highly recommend for any Christian looking to adopt or foster.
August 6, 2020
Read this. Be changed. Become uncomfortable. If you're considering fostering or adopting...this is a must read.
March 29, 2020
As a hopeful adoptive parent just starting out in this journey, I wish I HADN’T read this book. It took me a few days to process the end. I’m thankful that the author shared her story but it probably wasn’t the right time for me to read it.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews