Episode 15. Adoption, Fostering, & Connections That Heal

Episode 15. Adoption, Fostering, & Connections That Heal

Show Notes


For you did not receive a spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you received a spirit of adoption, through which we cry, “Abba, Father!”
~ Romans 8:15

When someone has experienced separation or trauma, especially as a child, it can be challenging for them to feel safe in attachment with others. Yet, close connections are a powerful source of healing and wholeness for all of us, especially for those who have suffered. How can we step into connection and attachment, even - and especially - when it's difficult?

In this exceptional conversation, Ryan O'Hara invites us into his experience of fostering and adoption: his preconceptions, his journey of mental health & healing, his growth as a father and as a person, and especially his identity as a child of God. Whether or not you have personal experience with fostering or adoption, you'll see yourself more clearly through Ryan's wisdom and humility.

Ryan O’Hara serves as the Marketing Strategist for
Saint Paul’s Outreach, a national Catholic organization that ministers to college students on campus. He is passionate about seeing Catholics come alive in Christ, grow to spiritual maturity and become apostles to the people in their life. Ryan has a B.A. in History from William Jewell College and an M.A. in Theology from the University of Notre Dame. He and his wife Jill live in West St Paul, MN and are parents to four sons.

Show Notes

  • “My child, when you come to serve the Lord, prepare yourself for trials.”

    • Sirach 2:1

  • Adoption & fostering as a form of “welcoming the stranger” (Matthew 25:35).

  • For more information on “trauma-informed parenting”, click here

  • The Archdiocese of Kansas City’s approach to supporting foster families & children

  • For more information on foster care & adoption in your state, visit the Child Welfare Information Gateway or one of the many, many Catholic & Christian adoption agencies

Ryan’s powerful & personal video on the pro-life response to the end of Roe v. Wade


Challenge By Choice

Take the step to “raise your hand” to ask for help where you need it.

  • What area of your life do you need support in right now?

  • What resources do you need from others? Do you need therapy? Spiritual direction? Confession? A group of women/men to support you and hold you accountable? A nap? A change in the weekly schedule?

  • Have the courage and humility to admit to yourself that you need help from others and allow them to serve you in love.