[lilacsinmay]

Would someone please help me glean a little clarity on this topic? I have studed scripture pretty intensely to determine whether it was scripturally sound for a single christian to adopt or not. And I had come to a peace about this and decided to begin the adoption process (and I'm single). I even spoke with 2 different pastoral friends who were supportive of my decision. All was well until I had a friend tell me she thought it was "unscriptural" and that if a child was to be the result of a conception of a man and woman- then to intentionally place an orphaned child in the home of a single parent would be in opposition to God's plan, and that if it were God's plan for me to parent then He would give me a husband. Ever since then -as much I have continually gotten support from many in my christian commnity I can't help but worry and wonder if I am wrong.

I keep going back to Mordecai and Esther...and the Pharoh's daughter and Moses....and Mary with Jesus. I see scripture that tells me I am to care for the widow and the orphan (without an exception posted for singles)...and logically I can say that any child would be far better off to have a single christian mom than be raised in an orphange in a 3rd world country which is predominately Buddhist.

I also think of our "Dear Brother Timothy" whom Paul told not to allow his "youth" to be a barrier to his service of the saints that he shouldn't allow others to look down on him simply b/c he was young. I can't help but wonder if Paul hadn't lived in a time that was so oppressive to women- if he would have told single women...don't allow others to look down on you b/c you are single but set an example in purity (not resorting to IVF from a sperm donor instead saving your virginity for your future husband - be it an earthly bridegroom or our heavenly bridegroom) speech, life, love, and faith (see Timothy 4:12). I have spent much time in prayer over this and many door have stood open just long enough for me to step through and then they go shut behind me. God has placed supportive people all around me. Yet still this one comment from a friend haunts me (and quite frankly hurts me). Can anyone offer me some strong arguement one way or the other to help set my mind at ease or help me see the error of my way?