Three Little Words

The 2007 memoir, Three Little Words, by Ashley Rhodes-Courter is a gripping story of her early life and ten-year journey through foster care to adoption. It chronicles a life of doubt, fear, and bewilderment that came down to three little words tenuously spoke in a courtroom at the age of twelve.

The book’s title was taken from an answer at Ashley’s adoption proceedings when she was asked by the judge for her consent to be adopted. “I guess so,” was her reply, indicating her tenuous faith not only in the system, but in people in general. Ultimately, that seed of faith took root and blossomed in her new home, where she was encouraged not only to tell her story, but also to act boldly on behalf of others.

She went on to become a powerhouse, championing radical reforms in our nation’s foster care system—literally freeing thousands of children from the bondage of a broken system.

Three little words made all the difference.

And though it’s obviously completely different in detail, the overall narrative of the book bears a striking resemblance to the story of Moses in Exodus 3, who would go on from the burning bush to become an Old Testament powerhouse. Years of doubt, fear, and bewilderment that came down to three little words spoken tenuously in the desert.

See you Sunday.

Steve+