When James wanted to help his readers understand the heart of God and thus true religion and faith towards Him, he turned to orphans and widows. Here’s how he described true and fake religion:

If anyone thinks he is religious and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his heart, this person’s religion is worthless. Religion that is pure and undefiled before God the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world. (James 1:26-27)

God’s thoughts of this practical expression of mercy to children in need is all over the Bible.  And not only does God “set the lonely in families” (Psalm 68:6a), but He has spiritually provided for our adoption into His family through faith in Christ:

But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons. (Galatians 4:4-5)

Sonja and I feel privileged to know many who have felt God’s adoptive heart nudge them to provide a home and family for those without one.  As with any child, these friends have told us adopted children bring moments of success and failure as they love them, but ultimately, they count it as an immense blessing to show them the love God has shown for His children.

It was them (our friends who have adopted) that I thought of when I heard the story of Jermaine Loewen.  If you have a moment, take one to marvel at the ways God can impact a child’s life through the love of another.

Last week, Jermaine became the first ever Jamaican drafted in the NHL Draft when he was selected by the Dallas Stars with their final pick.  Praise the LORD for His adoptive heart and for those who express that same love to others all around the world.