Love shows up

Sophia, 13

ZoZo, 7

And nobody gets left behind.

Love means being there when someone needs you.
As foster parents, Brittany and Sam knew they’d teach this lesson to any child who came to live in their home. It’s just who they are.
Then cancer flipped the script.

The diagnosis came about six months after Sofia and ZoZo moved in – Sam had brain cancer. Then, another hit – he had a mini-stroke during surgery to remove the cancer. Sam was paralyzed on the left side of his body and faced a long stretch of recovery.

They’ve always been a silver-linings family with a strong faith community, Brittany says. When the word went out, love showed up.


This is what love does.

Brittany remembers standing in the kitchen with Sofia as someone from their church dropped off meals. Sam was still in the hospital and the enormity of it all sank in.

“Sofia – she looked at me and was like, ‘Wow. People really love us.’

“I said, ‘Yeah, they do. This is what love does.’ ”

The church’s meal train fed them for months. People built a wheelchair ramp over the front steps. They picked up the kids from school and took them out for ice cream. “We have a lot of people who’ve loved on them and made sure they feel cared for,” Brittany says.

The siblings’ adoption plan was never in doubt – and when the day arrived, Sam was walking and driving again. The family celebrated in matching T-shirts with a line from Lilo & Stitch, one of their favorite movies: Ohana means family. Family means nobody gets left behind or forgotten.


Because – this is what love does.



Advent | The joy of joy

He may be too young to understand everything, but this child knows joy. “Joy is in my heart,” he told his mom, “because Jesus is in my heart.” Light a candle for joy.

Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.” Mark 10:14


Advent | The gift of love

We introduced this wonderful family to you over two years ago. They have a beautiful story – and our favorite part is when the parents tell us they loved the children before they even met them.  Join us as we light a candle for love.


Advent | The promise of peace

Last week as we sat together and talked about peace, one of our teens shared her thoughts. “To be at peace with the world and yourself means being ok and happy with the people around you. We can change in the world with peace.” Amen and peace to us all.  Join us as we light a candle for peace.