Sometimes we find it hard to express our feelings in words, but almost everyone can share emotions through music—either by writing it, performing it, listening to it, or sharing it. So when it comes to expressing feelings about adoption (at least for me), words alone are inadequate. The beautiful combination of heartfelt words with touching music seems to hit it spot-on.
It’s hard to find a person touched by adoption—either as a member of the birth family, adoptive family, or the adoptee—who doesn’t have a positive emotional response to “From God’s Arms, to My Arms, to Yours.” There have been many beautiful performances of this tender song sharing the feelings of a birth mother, but In my heart, Marie Osmond did it best as she expressed this tribute of love to the birth mothers of her children.
Musician and adoptive father Steven Curtis Chapman expressed his feelings in his song, “When Love Takes You In.” Written for his daughter, Shaohannah, Chapman sings about the joy of adopting an orphan. Those who have been touched by adoption know that there is an indescribable feeling of belonging when adoptee and adoptive parents are united. Truly, it is an act of “love tak[ing] you in!” And the Chapman family goes beyond singing about adoption. Steven Curtis Chapman’s organization, Show Hope, offers resources, grants, and more for those hoping to adopt.
“The Mothers in My Life,” written and performed by Suzanne Gomez, is a beautiful expression of the love an adoptee has for both her birth mother and her adoptive mother. Gomez says of her song, “Sometimes adopted children struggle with their own identity in life. This song is about understanding that you are a child of the Most High God . . . ’I have chosen you, even before you were conceived in your mother’s womb! You are fearfully and wonderfully made!’ God gives a promise of unconditional love in Jeremiah 29:11 ‘For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you, not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future . . . ’ May this song glorify our Heavenly Father and give healing and wholeness to those who are searching for it.”
There is great beauty, great healing, and great release in music that expresses deep feelings. These are just three of the songs already written. As one touched by adoption myself, I look forward to adoption songs yet to come. When an artist uses his/her talent to express feelings shared by others, it is truly a gift to the world!
What are your favorite adoption songs?
