With an Open Heart
by
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FOREWORD
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The story that is about to lovingly unfold in Lisa Murphy’s beautifully written narrative is more than just a moving book about a loving family’s journey to China, and their adoption of Daniel—a toddler who was challenged from birth with serious health issues.
This child was born as Weifeng Hong in Nanchang, China, and suffered from a serious, life-threatening heart condition. He was abandoned by his birth mother and placed into the institutional care of the Chinese government. If not for the loving intervention of Lisa and Jim Murphy, it is almost certain that he would have languished in an institutional setting. Because of his medical condition, Weifeng Hong would probably have perished there as an orphan.
Certainly, this is a story about a loving family’s adoption journey of compassion, caring and hope. But, above all, this book is a moving narrative about optimism in the face of personal tragedy, the strength provided by an overwhelming faith in God’s providence, and triumph over adversity.
Many of Lisa and Jim’s friends and family were as understandably devastated at the loss of this beautiful little boy as I was. Not surprisingly, some people openly asked why God would allow this to happen. As to His reasons, none of us can truly understand, but (hopefully) we will one day have the opportunity to ask God ourselves. We must simply trust in Him.
Still, as I struggled to address these difficult issues in preparation for the homily for Daniel’s Mass of the Angels, I turned to His Word in Sacred Scripture. I found some answers in Ezekiel Chapter 36. In verse 24, we read, “For I will take you away from among the nations, gather you from all the foreign lands...” and in verse 26, “I will give you a new heart and place a new spirit within you, taking from your bodies your stony hearts and giving you natural hearts.” Then, in verse 25, “I will sprinkle clean water upon you to cleanse you from all your impurities….”
Little Weifeng Hong was “gathered from...the foreign lands” by the wonderful Murphy family—who traveled halfway around the world to embrace him. They not only brought him lovingly into their family, they also gave him a terrific sister, Madi, as well as loving grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins and friends. The Murphys brought Daniel to the Baptismal font where he was born again into the life of Jesus Christ. Then, together with a dedicated team of medical professionals, Lisa and Jim gave Daniel a chance to overcome his serious medical issues. Sadly, despite everyone’s efforts, it was not to be; Daniel was called home to Heaven. But, blessedly, not before he knew love, laughter and family. Daniel was able to come into the light of Christ, play, laugh, and experience the joy of a loving, caring and faith-filled family.
As Saint Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians, “Love is patient, love is kind...it does not brood over injury…It bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things…So faith, hope, love remain, these three, but the greatest of these is love.”
Lisa and Jim Murphy, together with their daughter, Madi, and now, with little Charlie, (as well as all of their family and supportive friends) beautifully exhibit the above words from Saint Paul. As you read Lisa’s words and learn about Daniel’s journey, let Saint Paul’s exhortation that the greatest of these is love resonate in your own heart.
With an Open Heart will serve as a reminder that perhaps there is a child out there who is waiting for you—or someone close to you—and needs you to embrace this notion, as well.
May God bless you and keep you and your loved ones in His embrace always,
In Christ Jesus,
Deacon Lee Levenson
St. Vincent Ferrer Catholic Church
Delray Beach, FL
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About the Book
This is the story of Daniel—our adopted son from China. He traveled across the world to experience the love of a family, and ultimately touched thousands of lives when his mission on earth ended earlier than we’d planned, and he left us for Heaven. This is not just the story of a child who died, but rather a tribute to a little boy who really, honestly lived. Yes, it’s true that, ultimately, we lost our son. But we know how blessed we were to have met him, loved him, and to have been given the gift of time with his sweet soul. We know that God is good, and though our pain and suffering are sure, the reality remains that Daniel is safe in the arms of our Lord. How blessed we are that—even though it was for such a short time—God entrusted us as Daniel’s loving family before He called our son Home to Heaven.
About the Author
Lisa Murphy is a writer and avid blogger. She is a stay-at-home mom and independent sales distributor for Juice Plus+® nutritional products. Lisa resides in Delray Beach, Florida, with her husband, Jim, and their two children.
Marilyn Murray Willison is an accomplished author of five nonfiction books and has worked as a respected international journalist in both the US and the UK. As an adoptee, author, and mother, With an Open Heart spoke to her on a variety of levels.