Adoption
There are various reasons why some individuals who give birth are unable to care for their children. Adoption is an alternative.
For others, it's a calling to multiply their impact as parents by expanding their family with children who are not biologically theirs.
This can be an answer for couples facing fertility challenges.
A representation of being received into God's family, which is an incredible blessing, is exemplified by both those who adopt and the adopted.
Esther 2:7; 2:22-23
Mordecai looks after Esther; raised up as his own in a guardian-type arrangement. She eventually becomes a queen used by God to bring deliverance.
2 Kings 5:2-3
A young girl is taken into the household of Naaman's wife; she serves and is introduced to a family/caretaking environment.
Adoption,
"to take a child of other parents as one's own",
is on display in each example.
Ruth 1:16; 3:1-2; 4:14-17
Naomi and Ruth function as a unit, and after Boaz marries Ruth she becomes part of Naomi's restored family line.
Texas Family Code, Title 5
"The act of creating the legal relationship of parent and child between a person and a child who is not the biological child of that person. The term does not include the act of establishing the legal relationship of parent and child between a man and a child through proof of paternity or voluntary legitimation proceedings."
