In one of his recent posts called "Brush with Fame," Val Durrington mentioned a family of courage who, while in the process of adopting an African-American child, endured an uphill battle. They were featured on Oprah and the tide turned in their favor.

Yes, the Jenkins are truly to be commended. Their love ushered them into an arena that pitted them against conventional wisdom. And it was that love that gave them the courage to meet that challenge.

It reminded me of another family, a missionary couple who, back in the fifties, adopted an African-American child while in France. After being on the field for several years, they wanted to return to their native Texas, but decided the risks to their daughter and family were too great. They made the decision to move to Canada where God used them once again as missionaries and didn't return home until their daughter was almost old enough to be on her own.

I always admired the depth of love they had for their daughter and how they were willing to commit to her, even though, in their case, it meant not being able to come back home.