"Anyone considering foster care or adoption should first spend 30 days with this book. As foster parents ourselves, we've found Ready or Not to be a valuable tool on our journey. So much so, that it's now a part of the core curriculum for families desiring to foster or adopt in our churches. Pam's transparency throughout the book gives a realistic picture of what to expect. Her Biblical insights powerfully draw us to the heart of God and His love for orphaned and at-risk children."
Andy & Sandra Stanley, North Point Ministries
Daily Devotion
Using a daily scripture as a starting point, Pam shares openly about her journey as a mom of children from hard places in easy-to-grasp daily devotions that guide families toward the heart of God in the midst of the hard places within their family.
Additional Scripture Study
A successful journey of parenting children from hard places requires the Word as its foundation. Each day has additional scripture study to allow readers to dive into the biblical principles around caring for orphaned and wounded children.
Prayer Starter
Sometimes the hardest part of praying is finding the words to say, especially in the hard and heart-breaking moments. Each day includes a prayer starter to help guide readers into open conversation with God about their struggles, concerns and fears.
Contemplative Questions
Engaging questions for individuals, couples or small groups to help them evaluate their motives and expectations for the journey of parenting children from hard places.
Group Discussion Tool
A perfect tool for orphan care organizations and ministries of any size to use to engage their families in meaningful conversation about the joys, struggles and fears of foster care and adoption from a biblical perspective.
Wisdom for Couples
A resource guide to assist husbands and wives in talking openly about their concerns, challenges and hopes as they consider foster care or adoption; or, as they walk out parenting children from hard places who are already part of their family.
A Few More Words From Readers...
The meditation and scripture at the end of each day was the highlight for me. This journey can feel hopeless, draining and lonely at times, but the reminder that we are not alone, that God is in control, offers hope.
I've worked with and for orphan care organizations for years, and have seen a glut of incorrect or incomplete information provided to prospective adoptive and foster parents. It's refreshing to find Ready or Not - a truly inspired and well-designed devotional that is chock-full of insight and holistic wisdom. This should be required reading for anyone considering adoption or foster care.
As a therapist and an adopted person, I believe Pam has given an irreplaceable gift to the adoption community. For anyone considering adoption or foster care, or anyone working with adoptive or foster children in any capacity this book will provide honest insight into the journey of working with adoptive and foster children and families.
I found the wisdom to be very thoughtful and the Bible verses to be perfect selections. Although beautiful, adoption is not an easy road. Being prepared for what to expect is invaluable and this study is an awesome way to pray over your family's next steps.
Pam Parish shares stories of her own personal journey as well as keen wisdom and biblical insight in Ready or Not. I will be recommending this book to every person that is considering foster care and adoption. Ready or Not will be an invaluable tool to help them determine if God is calling them to this journey."
Pam speaks with such truth, passion and understanding of the journey with a child who comes from a hard place. As a foster and adoptive parent, how I wish we could have had such a resource in the beginning of our journey. This is a MUST read for those considering the decision to foster or adopt."
This is one of the best resources I've found to count the costs of adopting and fostering, while at the same time creating a supportive team to hold each other up throughout their journeys. Each week, the probing questions lead to deep discussions and honest reflection, calling each of us to consider what unconditional love truly looks like in action.
In this thought provoking biblical study, Pam Parish clearly captures the journey of adoption and foster care. The experience brings parental transformation. Of critical importance for every perspective adoptive parent is to count the cost. Ready or Not does just that.
Pam Parish captures the biblical principles of foster care in such a concise, matter-of-fact way. This is a must read for those interested in fostering or supporting those who do foster. I have bought several to give to those in our support network, so they can further understand what we are going through.