330. The Deep Well of Protective Mama Love

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The power of protective maternal love transforms families, communities, and ultimately our world. When Tara Hackney adopted her daughter from India, a transformative realization occurred during a tender moment of singing "Jesus Loves the Little Children" to her traumatized toddler. The beloved song's lyrics—"red and yellow, black and white"—suddenly felt exclusionary. Where was brown? This gap inspired Tara to reimagine the lyrics to "every color, every shade, just exactly as He made," creating a beautiful children's board book that celebrates diversity as an intentional part of God's grand design.

Tara's story weaves together adoption, diversity, and spiritual formation in profound ways. After raising three biological sons, she and her husband adopted two Indian girls, creating what she lovingly describes as twins born "not from my body, but in my heart." The adoption process—what she calls a "paper pregnancy"—required intentionality, sacrifice, and family-wide commitment. Rather than diminishing her relationship with her sons, adoption enriched their family dynamic and cultivated compassion and nurturing qualities in her boys.

This conversation offers a refreshing perspective on the transformative power of motherhood, whether through biological, adoptive, or mentoring relationships. As we embrace diversity and nurture faith in the next generation, we participate in God's grand design—creating a world where every child feels represented, valued, and deeply loved. Ready to explore how your maternal influence can change lives? Listen now and discover how to unleash the power of your presence into the world.

Learn more about Tara Hackney's Work: Jesus Loves

Listen to Jesus Loves the Little Children Adaptation: Jesus Loves on Spotify

Read more on Tara's Blog: Tara Hackney

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