Abandoned

When I think of the word ‘abandoned’ it carries a sentiment that immediately makes me compassionate towards the person who was ‘abandoned’.  I think abandonment tugs at the center of the ‘fear’ reserve we all have.

Being abandoned as an adult is painful and difficult. Spouses being abandoned by their significant other, friendships being abandoned, being forced to abandon ones home, and the list goes on, but there’s something especially poignant about a defenseless child being abandoned. 

Some of the questions asked when a child is abandoned have been: How can someone justify abandoning their child?  What implications does abandonment have in the life of that child?  Can anyone possibly overcome in life when their introduction to the world was abandonment?

Yesterday an American legend passed away who started off his life being abandoned.  Steve Jobs was abandoned by his biological parents when they made the decision to not raise him as their own.  

I’ve experienced abandonment in my life, but it’s never been heart-wrenching nor life altering because it I’ve been blessed to never be abandoned by those who matter most, my parents, siblings, husband and children.

I cannot imagine the pain of knowing you were abandoned without being given the chance to be known, understood and loved.  I’ve seen abandonment cause some to play the abandonment card and abandon themselves to a life filled with failure, anger, resentment, and ultimately a victim mentality.

I cannot speak for Steve Jobs being that I didn’t know him personally, but I can say that despite starting off his first minutes on earth, he’s an example of how to live despite being abandoned.  I don’t know when or where Steve Jobs found out that the two people who made him opted to give him up, but I’m grateful that he didn’t allow his life to be defined by his experience of abandonment.

It’s so amazing to meet people who take someone who’s been abandoned, and love them as their own, but what’s even more amazing is that God loves us and we are never abandoned because of Him.  Despite however you are feeling, my challenge to you is if you’ve been abandoned, believe that you can accomplish great things!  I think Steve Jobs serves as motivation that no matter if you’ve been abandoned, had a difficult life, never met your parents, it’s not a deterrent from achieving greatness. 

In closing, we will all be abandoned at one point or another in our lives, but how will we deal with it?  I choose to admire what Steve Jobs did despite his circumstance, and maybe I won’t be the greatest inventor of my generation, but I will know that whatever I need to succeed I can find it in God, who will always receive me and accept me with open arms.

“For in You the orphan finds mercy.” 
Hosea 14:3d

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