A Miracle for the Shockley Family

Bill and Michelle Shockley have been members of the South Sound Church of Christ for nearly eight years.  Like so many young married couples, they began to earnestly pray for God to allow them to bring children into this world and start a family.  Not long into this process, it became clear having children on their own might not be a part of that plan.  After wrestling with many different options, they courageously decided to volunteer to be a “foster-adopt” family.

They lovingly brought a little boy into their family – an energetic young guy named Stone!  Thirteen months after his birth, following a lot of prayer and many legal proceedings, he officially became their son, as they were able to legally adopt him.  Not long after their adoption of Stone, they welcomed a beautiful newborn girl into their home.  Her name was Arrie.  She came from a troubled family that struggled to be unified on just what exactly would be the best long-term solution for her.  Would one of Aries’ relatives step up and adopt her?  As she fought to get her life together, would her birth mother want her back?  As the Shockley family met Aries’ needs in the warmth and security of their own home, they also weren’t sure how her future would play out.

As they prayed and patiently waited, the legal process became witheringly slow and frustrating.  Forced to wait, sometimes long periods with little or no news, the Shockley’s struggled to see how God was working.  It seemed that when news did come, it was discouraging.  After two long years, they felt no closer to resolution than when they started.  Concerned about Arrie and their family on many fronts, they solicited the prayers and encouragement of the disciples in the church.  Friends and family prayed and put the future of Arrie into God’s hands.  It was impossible for us to believe that Arrie would be forced to leave the only family she knew.  Finally, nearly three years after taking her in, the Shockley’s were notified this last week that they were cleared to officially begin the process of adopting Arrie!

The Lord has blessed the Shockley family.  He has worked powerfully to bring an end to a long, tense, bittersweet process.   He has blessed Stone with a little sister for life.  He has enriched so many of us with the joy of watching Arrie grow up into a sweet little girl.  Perhaps most importantly, He has helped all of us grow in our faith, clearly showing us the power of prayer and perseverance.  To Him be the glory!

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