Pastor Claude Thomas Online

Author: Kathryn Seifert
As we all watch the horrific devastation in Israel, Gaza, and Lebanon on the news day after day, glued to the “tube,” we have to be thinking, “Where does it end? When does it end? Will it ever end?” Periodic military and diplomatic solutions in the Middle East since 1949 have attempted to provide a lasting peace in the region. And yet, here we are again, in the middle of a war that has both local and global implications.

For terrorists, beyond patriotism and self defense, is the ability to kill innocents, non-combatants with no hesitation or regret. It becomes a strategy of war. What enters or does not enter the minds of terrorists? What does it take for someone to grow up to be a terrorist? It was reported that a Hezbollah member stated that they will be triumphant because they love death and the Israelis love life. How can someone have no respect for human life? Many, if not all terrorists seek power and control regardless of means. They see violence as a means to that end. This is instrumental violence. It does not differ from criminal violence anywhere in the world and likely has the same roots.

Criminal violence has it beginning in the abuse, neglect, loss of parents, and exposure to violence in early childhood resulting in disruptions in attachments. Those with disrupted attachments fail to reach pro-social maturity interpersonally, in affect regulation and self control, and in moral development. They may not understand human reciprocity. Relationships are superficial. They may have little or no empathy or remorse. To them the world is not safe and they must always be on the offensive in order to be safe. Generations of war and violence in the Middle East continues to produce more terrorists. Children are not safe and they become orphaned. They are exposed to violence daily during times of open conflict and always have the fear of a new attack. The effect of this environment on everyone, especially young children can be psychologically devastating.

The world finds itself in a quandary. How do we defend ourselves against these people who do not value life as we do without creating more terrorists? The answer is we cannot. War and violence inevitably creates more terrorists. In addition to efforts already underway, massive humanitarian aid to the region is what will curb the growing problem of terrorism. Children and their families must be safe and well cared for so that they will not become cold, heartless and violent. Street children, one of the ripest recruiting grounds for terrorist organizations, must be well cared for and not left to be recruited by terrorists.

Terrorism will not end of its own accord. People must protect and defend themselves, as terrorists will not stop. Additionally, terrorism will not end by humanitarian aid alone. Everyone knows that a long term solution is needed. However, a permanent end to war, humanitarian aid and services for those who have lost loved ones, those with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, and children with attachments disrupted by war may have a chance of reducing terrorism in the Middle Eastern Region in the future.

Author: Angel Estrella
A baby adoption is not an inexpensive process. Many hopeful parents discard the idea of a baby adoption early because they do not realize that there are both private and government resources that are available to help prospective adoptive parents, which will aid in the costs associated with travel, agency fees and additional spending.

There are several tax benefits associated with baby adoption, which include the Federal Adoption Tax Credit. This amount is a credit issued for adoptive families on qualified expenses related to a baby adoption. Allowable expenses, in this case, are subtracted from the current tax liability. In addition, a number of states offer a tax credit in addition to the previously mentioned federal tax credit. When it comes to taxes, adoptive parents are allowed to claim the same dependency exemption as for their biological children. This exemption provides a reduction in taxable income.

In addition to tax assistance, a number of employers participate in the Adoption Assistance Benefits Program. This program allows employers to reimburse a baby adoption with a cash benefit. If your employer does not participate in this program, you may request material to provide your employer in an effort to request adoption assistance by contacting the National Adoption Center.

Both federal employees and military personnel are eligible for baby adoption benefits, which vary from extended leaves and/or reimbursement of up to $2,000.00 after the baby adoption is finalized.

Employees of Harvard University are also eligible for baby adoption assistance directly from the Harvard Adoption Assistance Plan. Under this program, up to $5,000.00 may be granted for expenses relating to the adoption of a child with financial need not being a factor.

In addition to these options, there are grants specifically designed to help prospective parents with expenses relating to the adoption. These include A Child Waits Foundation, Hebrew Free Loan Association, Funds 4 Families, A Mother’s Love Fundraising, Community Fundraisers, The National Adoption Foundation, Ours By Grace and United Way International.

As a final option in assistance with funding a baby adoption, individuals may consult with their local bank or credit union regarding loan programs for adoptive families. Others may choose to use their savings account or cash out the equity in their home to make an adoption happen. If you ask most adoptive parents, money is no object when it comes to the love of a child and the joy that he/she brings into the life of loving parents.

Author: Yvonne Volante
Adopting a child of any age is a very difficult, long process, and it should be an equally well-thought-out personal consideration — whether you will be a single parent, want to adopt a child outside of your native country, or are already in a marriage with your biological children.

Here are some of the things you will need to ponder to be able to make a fully informed, satisfying decision for both the child or children and yourself and your family.

For example, do you feel that it’s possible to love an adopted child as much as a birth child? What if this is an infertility issue, yet you haven’t given up hope that one day your family may produce a biological child? How will this interfere, if at all, with your feelings toward your adoptive child, should this happen?

One red flag should be obvious, but often isn’t: Make absolutely certain that, if you have a partner, he or she does not have any mixed feelings about adopting, and really would prefer to have birth children. Make sure you and your partner have thoroughly discussed what you believe it will be like to raise an adopted child.

And even if you “sometimes” have these same feelings, that’s another really important thing to consider; you should most likely give this more thought if you are having any doubts at all. Maybe you’ve always dreamed of adopting, even if you had birth children. Do you still feel that way? What about your extended family? Will they support your decision, and if not, will that matter to you?

Another, more obvious red flag is, are you in a position to financially afford to adopt and raise this child?

Financial preparedness is just one aspect; are you also emotionally prepared to be a parent, for either the first time or in the case of an additional child? And do you worry about adopting a child who may have serious emotional and/or physical problems, either now or in the future?

Another, last thing, is something many people don’t think about: Are you adopting out of “guilt,” or do you believe that adoption is a good thing because it saves a child from a difficult life?

There are a lot of questions associated with adoption, but they are all for the benefit of, first, the child; and second, you and your family or lifestyle. If the two don’t connect in a way you find satisfying, it may be time to seriously reconsider your decision or put it off for another day. It’s that important.