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To My Birth mom – On My Birthday

To My Birth mom – On My Birthday

Last updated on: January 28, 2015 at 3:12 pm by Chelsea Patterson

To My Birth mom – On My Birthday 2015-01-28T15:12:16-05:00 Chelsea Patterson

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Yesterday, I celebrated my 24th birthday.

All weekend, and on my birthday, I spent time with those I cherish most. While I wasn’t able to see my family on my birthday, we got to Skype as two of my dear friends delivered the family’s birthday present to me. As I was reflecting upon my birthday, I thought I’d share a few thoughts on birthday, identity, and God’s grace.

My birthday can be a difficult time of the year for me.

Satan, the Father of lies knows exactly what to whisper into my soul to try to discourage and dishearten me.

I’m adopted (read more about my adoption story here), and while adoption is one of my all-time favorite things to talk about, the devil tries his hardest to take a good thing (my adoption), twist it and hurt me with it. I shutter to think of what my life would be if I wasn’t adopted. I was born in the post-communist nation of Romania, home to a brutal dictator, who didn’t take care of his people or seek the good for the country. I was born to a young, unmarried teenage mom who had no way to properly raise me, yet along take care of me in the ways a baby needed. However, she did chose life for me in a society and world where the “easier” route would have been abortion.

My birth mom chose life for me, and I am eternally grateful.

Every year around my birthday, I wonder whether my birth mom remembers me or not. The devil will try to tell me that I’m worthless or that my life doesn’t have meaning or purpose. Those are lies. As a Christian, I can identify those things Satan cunningly tries to get me to believe as untrue. However, my temptation is to listen to, and believe those lies. My identity is called into question and challenged by Satan, because of the events surrounding my birth.

“Because your birth mom wasn’t married when she had you…you are worthless.”

“Because your birth mom couldn’t keep and raise you…you are worthless.”

Lie after lie rolls in, as I run to scripture and my heavenly Father to combat them. Thankfully, I have a personal relationship with the Creator of the universe who holds my heart as I mourn, reminds me of so many promises found in Scripture, and has given me the best family I could ever imagine.

So, to my birth mother in Romania. I want you to know that I am so proud of you. You made the right decision, when all odds were against you. You were selfless, and chose a better life for me. You were willing to do hard things for me. Thank you for giving me life, thank you for your boldness and courage. Thank you for choosing adoption for me. Thank you for your sacrifices.I think and pray for you often, and it is my deep hope that you will spend eternity with Jesus Christ.

It’s true, my birthday is hard. Satan tried to discourage me. But God is so rich in His grace and mercy, and has provided for me far above my wildest dreams.

I am fiercely loved by Christ, and by others, and have every reason to be filled with joy.

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