Friday Links Roundup: Clear the Red Tape Edition

No, this is not a rant about our government or any political party. This “edition” is designed to spark some conversation that could help a lot of people.

In the aftermath of the horrible tragedy in Haiti, I was told that it was already being reported that one of the great needs from that country are parents to adopt Haitian children whose parents died (or will die) in these events. Being the daddy of an adopted daughter, that pulled at the strings of my heart.

However, after doing some research, I found that the usual cost of adoption from Haiti is between $15,000 and $18,000, plus travel. You may have that kind of money, but far too many (and many who desire to be parents) simply can’t write a series of checks for that much, no matter how much they’d like to.

So, here is my plea, and I hope this post echoes up to some high ranking officials. If there is ever a time to cut some red tape and/or to subsidize adoptions, it is now! These children need not only parents, they need stability amid a terrible tragedy. While the same is true of children from all over the world (that’s a true rant!), there should be a special clause for situations like this one. Let’s not just send money and supplies to Haiti. Let’s change the lives (and, possibly, eternities) of numerous children by making this call affordable.

Now that that has been said, it’s time for the links this week.

1. I love posts that take the “backward” look at something. Perry Noble writes a great list entitled, “How to Make Sure Your Church is Boring.” Read this with the right heart, and you will be challenged.

2. In light of the poverty about which we have been reminded in Haiti, this post may seem a bit untimely, but the principles are very good. Christian Personal Finance writes “A Lesson from the Recession: Getting Back to the Basics.”

3. We like success, but sometimes being successful can harm us in the long run. Jon Bloom at Desiring God’s blog writes a thought-provoking piece, “Success can be Perilous.”

4. Stan Mitchell at Forthright Magazine shares an interesting and brief look at what are commonly called “The Seven Deadly Sins.” Read his article “Torn Apart.”

5. Since we are having a series on the family at Lebanon Road, I’m continually looking for good material. Zen Family Habits (thanks, Leah, for sharing this site!) has an humerous article with great application for couples. Enjoy “The Toddler Laws Influence on Marriage.”

We hope you have a wonderful weekend, and we hope that the recent tragedy in Haiti helps you keep your perspective. It’s sad that it often takes such an event to wake us up a bit.

No matter what you do this weekend, make sure you remember the Lord in worship on His Day.