“Faith is taking the first step even when you don’t see the whole staircase,” said Martin Luther King, Jr.
My mind wanders back to times when I have taken that first step.
Knees knocking. Stomach churning. Heart pounding moments.
Today, it seems like a dream that I somehow found the strength to step forward
But deep inside I know that it wasn’t something I found
No, it was strength that I was given.
Right then.
Not years before.
No, in that very moment.
I’m not sure why but that walk in the airport that day
to board the plane to Russia
is still vivid in my mind.
Behind me were my parents, my sister and brothers, friends and life as I had known it.
Ahead of me was a little six month old baby girl
in Russia.
All I had seen was a tiny photo of her
and my heart was drawn halfway across the ocean to her in ways I could never explain.
My longing to adopt her pulled me
further out of my comfort zone
and closer to that staircase I could not see.
Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.
Hebrews 11:1 | NIV
And as I stepped onto the plane and found my seat that night
with more questions than answers
my own brokenness was clearer than ever.
I knew that I was weak and was walking into a dark unknown.
But I also knew that with God all things are possible
and I had sensed His call to adopt this little baby.
I had no idea how it would all turn out
or if I would even get to complete the adoption.
But God knew and my trust was in Him.
Yes, those first steps of faith led to more and more and more as I’ve climbed that staircase
and have mothered her this one who is now twenty three.
Easy? No.
But rewarding? Absolutely yes.
Step by step He has enabled me to climb that staircase
always depending upon Him.
We don’t need to see that whole staircase, do we?
Matter of fact, if we did, it might totally overwhelm us.
Just one step at a time.
He gives faith to those who bring Him their brokenness and pain.
Every time.
The story of my Christmas journey to adopt my daughter is now available on Kindle.
Check it out at
Let’s continue to climb that staircase together
always depending upon Him to provide all that we need.
Congrats on your e-book Sharon! Look forward to reading what seems like an amazing story.
Thank you, Hulda. Yes, The Unforgettable Christmas Journey is now on Kindle as well as print copies. In a few days I should launch ‘Always Remember” in print and Kindle. Let me know if you get to read either. I cherish your friendship.