autumnday's post to heavenly about "the sins of the father" got me thinking about this.

my parents feel quite strongly about having h legally adopt liam (oc). before the birth, h wasn't too keen about this because he didn't know exactly how he'd feel towards liam. h didn't want to adopt liam without actually feeling like his dad. and he also didn't want it to be only a piece of paper that was what "made" him a dad. make any sense?

at this point, we don't feel that an official adoption is necessary because:
1) h doesn't feel it's at all necessary to "be" liam's dad... he already is.
2) h is on the birth certificate and we don't want to change that

anyways, our mc brought up the concept of a "spiritual adoption". he's not really sure if it's biblically sound (it's a new idea for him), but h and i like the idea. obviously h isn't the biological father to liam, but he's nonetheless responsible for him and that responsability extends to his (liam's) spiritual life, growth, etc. that's not to say that h is responsible for liam's salvation, but ultimately (and eternally) he's responsible and will be accountable for what he/we teach liam. in addition to providing love, food, a roof over his head, etc, h's is also committing to pray for him, teach him, be an example to him, etc.

have i lost anyone yet?

we're not sure exactly how we're going to go about this. we know we want our immediate families there (who all know liam is an oc). the ceremony or whatever would also involve h's parents and their acceptance of liam as a part of their family. so whether you call this a blessing, a baby dedication, a spiritual adoption... i think the premiss is the same.

we don't think it's absolutely neccessary, but for us it's symbolic and something that h really wants to do.

what are your thoughts on this?

our mc (who's pretty charismatic) takes it a bit further saying not doing this may leave liam open to spiritual attacks and that om may still have some sort of "spiritual dominion" over him. we told him we weren't real sure about that and in his (mc) defence, this is something he's just been thinking about and still wants to talk over with some other pastors, etc.

do you agree that's taking it a bit far? any other thoughts?

amy

Amy,

I don't think that it's absolutely necessary, but if it's what your H wants to do, I think it's a great idea! From the WW's pov 2 1/2 yrs down the road, I truly believe that Sailorman is Abbi's father in every way it's possible!!!! Why, because I have mentioned doing DNA just out of curiosity, and he asked what the point was. Abbi is his little girl and that's all that matters! Granted, this is 2 yrs past where you and your H are at today, but it's something to think about.

We had Abbi dedicated when she was 2 months old. Unfortunately, we didn't have family there, as most couldn't afford the trip to HI at that time, and my parents came 2 weeks later! The church we went to there was HUGE and they did the dedications once a month, period. So, I couldn't have them hold off till my parents arrived. That was special, because at the dedication, Sailorman held Abbi, and agreed to raise her with the knowledge of Christ and His sacrifice for us, with ME! So, I say to do something that you both will cherish for the rest of your lives, and keep enjoying your newest family member!

Oh, and you made perfect sense to me <img border="0" title="" alt="[Wink]" src="images/icons/wink.gif" /> Let us know what you guys decide!

Tigger

Hi Amy~

</font><blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="Verdana, Arial"> at this point, we don't feel that an official adoption is necessary because:
1) h doesn't feel it's at all necessary to "be" liam's dad... he already is.
2) h is on the birth certificate and we don't want to change that </font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana, Arial">Yep to all of the above, plus I believe it was K who said something like, "Why stir up a potential hornet's nest?" in regard to having to ask x-om to give up all parental rights in order to do this officialy.

</font><blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="Verdana, Arial"> we don't think it's absolutely neccessary, but for us it's symbolic and something that h really wants to do.
</font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana, Arial">I agree w/ this too. It isn't necessary at all, because your H is already Daddy to Liam in every way. However, I think it is a beautiful idea, especially given the fact both families know. I think it is wonderful your H and family want to stand before God and man saying they welcome Liam into their hearts and lives. More than that, your H and you vowing to raise Liam in the way that he should go. It's like a baby dedication, only with an extra twist, one in which I think is really neat, and as you said, symbolic. Bottom line, it's something your H desires...I would go for it. A little party to celebrate afterward with all the family and close friends would top the day off just right! <img border="0" title="" alt="[Smile]" src="images/icons/smile.gif" />

</font><blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="Verdana, Arial"> our mc (who's pretty charismatic) takes it a bit further saying not doing this may leave liam open to spiritual attacks and that om may still have some sort of "spiritual dominion" over him. we told him we weren't real sure about that and in his (mc) defence, this is something he's just been thinking about and still wants to talk over with some other pastors, etc.

do you agree that's taking it a bit far? any other thoughts </font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana, Arial">Yes, I think MC is taking it a bit too far. Every human being is open to spiritual attacks, because the enemy wants all of us on his side. A ceremony won't protect Liam from that. Your dedication to him as parents to raise him correctly and teach him to make good and decent choices, including asking God into his heart at a young age will help him to recognize the ways of Satan.

I'm glad your MC wants to double check his thoughts on the subject with other Pastors.

How is Liam? I bet you've already seen a lot of milestones! <img border="0" title="" alt="[Smile]" src="images/icons/smile.gif" />

Take good care,
~aut

I think a spiritual adoption ceremony is adorable....much like a dedication...personalize it and make it yours!
No one needs to know about babe being OC unless they all know.

You and your H will have the babe covered in prayers and spiritual protection anyway. No need to fear there.

Let us know what you plan to do...I think that is a wonderful thing to do if you feel like doing it.

Huggles,
Twiisty