Social media can be a double-edged sword for those sharing their truth. As an adoptee advocate, I learned this lesson firsthand when a Facebook post targeting my perspective nearly silenced me completely.
The post appeared shortly after one of my TikTok videos about adoption shame gained traction. What had lived quietly on Instagram for a year suddenly reached hundreds of viewers, and with that visibility came unexpected backlash. The words weren't just mean—they were calculated, aimed at discrediting my lived experience and shutting down my voice.
For the first 35 years of my life, I remained quiet about my adoption story. After this incident, I retreated to that familiar silence. Relationships shifted. Some ended. I questioned whether sharing my story was doing more harm than good.
Then came two pivotal moments. First, my best friend challenged my silence: "I know that post hurt you, but there are others who need to hear your story." Later, during my husband David's final conversation before his surgery at Duke University Medical Center, he reminded me: "You have a story to tell."
Those words became my catalyst. The anger that had smoldered transformed into passion. Like Eric Liddell, who felt God's pleasure when he ran, I feel that same divine joy when I write and speak words that bring healing to others.
Today, I understand something crucial: silence has never changed the world. Our voices—all our voices—deserve to be heard. While not everyone will understand or accept our truth, someone out there needs to hear it.
To my fellow adoptees: your voice is powerful. Your experiences are valid. The impact we make by sharing our stories extends far beyond any negativity we might face. I've received messages from people who felt seen and understood because I chose to speak out. That makes it all worth it.
Keep speaking. Keep advocating. Someone is listening, and your words might be exactly what they need to hear.
[Author's Note: I'm excited to announce the launch of the Faith Collective for Truth and Healing in Adoption, a new community dedicated to uplifting adoptees, adoptive families, and birth families through faith, truth, and healing.]
Have you ever dealt with online negativity when sharing the truth? How did you handle it? I would like for you to share your experiences in the comments or simply reply to this email. I would love to continue this conversation.