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In this episode of Adoptees in Arms, I open up about a deeply personal experience—one that almost silenced me. A Facebook post challenged my voice, my truth, and my purpose, leaving me questioning whether sharing my adoptee journey was worth the pain. But through faith, reflection, and the encouragement of those who believe in me, I found the courage to keep speaking.

If you've ever faced negativity for sharing your truth, this episode is for you. Let’s talk about resilience, purpose, and the power of our voices in the face of criticism.

Plus, I’m excited to introduce the Faith Collective for Truth and Healing in Adoption, a space dedicated to faith-driven conversations about adoption. Learn more at adoptionfaithcollective.org.

Let’s keep this conversation going—send me a message or share your experiences. And if this episode resonates with you, don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who needs to hear it.

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The adoption reunion experience is complicated and brings with it its own set of challenges. Join me as I unpack key moments from the Kirk Franklin documentary, “Father’s Day.” If you need help understanding the complexities of this journey and finding peace when you’re missing pieces, this episode is for you.

Connect with Iris:

• Join our online community, Adoptees in Arms

• Instagram

• Facebook

 What happens when you get too dependent or too attached to the opinions, the feedback, or expectations of others? I've often spoken of people pleasing, but what about when we take things personally?

Welcome to this new season of Adoptees in Arms where we help adult adoptees find hope and peace in God's word.

Join me in this episode where I simply encourage you to not take it personally.

Scripture Mentioned in This Episode:

Jeremiah 17:5 NKJV

Other Resources:

Our Website: AdopteesinArms.com

Known and Loved - YouVersion Bible Reading Plan

How do we handle setbacks, disappointments, and unexpected losses?

Let me tell you, I have had my share of all of the above.

This journey is not easy, but I want to walk alongside you as you find the strength you need to trust God for whatever is next.

The new season of Adoptees in Arms will provide you with the insight and biblical wisdom that you need to navigate any difficult season you may face.

Episode 1 releases on Thursday, September 7th. Make sure to follow so you don't miss a single  episode.

I am excited about finding hope and healing in God's word.

As we conclude the month of February, National Heart Health Month, I desire to encourage you with a message straight from my heart. If you have been hurt or wounded on this journey, don’t expect your healing to come at the hands of those who wounded you. I want to invite you to lay your cares down at the feet of Jesus–all of your cares, those spoken and those tucked away in the crevices of your mind.

Allow HIs perfect love to restore you and heal you everywhere you hurt.

Trust me, He is well able to do that.

 Scripture Resources:

"O Lord, You have searched me and known me. You know my sitting down and my rising up; You understand my thought afar off." - Psalm 139:1-2 NKJV

"The Lord has appeared of old to me, saying: “Yes, I have loved you with an everlasting love; Therefore with lovingkindness I have drawn you." Jeremiah 31:3 NKJV

"Who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had and bought it.'" Matthew 13: 45-46 NKJV

Let's Connect:

Website | Instagram | Join our private Facebook Community

Download this free resource: 10 Scriptures to Pray in the Face of Rejection

When I was prompted by Holy Spirit to shift the podcast from Hidden Jewels to Adoptees in Arms, one of the first people I talked to was my best friend since 4th grade, Debra Cheek. She made a statement that was also recently shared by a faithful listener, “Iris, we need to hear your story!”

I pondered her statement for several weeks before I asked her if she would interview me as a way of kicking off the conversation through the Adoptees in Arms podcast. Without hesitation, she agreed. 

In this episode with the Believing Wife, Debra Cheek, we share a candid conversation about my adoption story. 

Connect with Iris:

NEW Online Community, Adoptees in Arms

Instagram

Facebook

Free Resource: Known and Loved, a 4-Day YouVersion Bible Reading Plan for Adult Adoptees

https://www.bible.com/reading-plans/34124-known-and-loved-a-4-day-devotional-for-adult"So, you're called to podcast, huh?"

"Who's going to want to hear what you have to say?"

"You're gonna talk about what?"

These are the internal questions that I have battled for over a year and the answers to these questions have led me to this moment--

Welcome to the first episode of the newly relaunched Adoptees in Arms podcast.

I am so excited that you are here!

In this episode, I will share why we pivoted and made the change from Hidden Jewels to Adoptees in Arms. 

Connect with Iris:

• NEW Online Community, Adoptees in Arms
• Instagram
• Facebook

Finding Hope & Peace:

Here are some of the things I talked about in this episode:

• The power of using our voice
• The importance of community
• Why advocacy is so important to me

Here are some of the things I talked about in this episode:

Quotes:

"I was not given up for adoption because I did something wrong, but because there was a greater purpose God desired to fulfill in my life." - Iris P. Bryant

"I finally know where my voice belongs, and that has made all the difference." - Iris P. Bryant

Links and Resources:

Sheryl Lee Ralph's Acceptance Speech

Want to listen to my podcast episodes on people-pleasing? Check out Confessions of a Recovering People Pleaser and More Confessions of a Recovering People-Pleaser.

Be sure to also check out my book How I Got Over:An Overcomer's Anthology

Known and Loved: A 4-Day YouVersion Bible Reading Plan for Adult Adoptees

For the past year, our church, Love and Faith Christian Fellowship, has been going through a preparation for new leadership. 2002 has been considered the year of shifting for us in ministry. I understood that and embraced it.

However, it just dawned on me that it is also a time of shifting as it relates to the ministry assignment of Hidden Jewels. 

This is the final episode of Hidden Jewels, but I will continue podcasting, just with a new name and a new mission.

It is my prayer that you will be encouraged as you cross over into the new that God has prepared for you.