Love is often best understood not in definitions, but in the moments it is shown to us. For Marilyn Collier, one of those defining moments came through her stepfather’s decision to adopt her. What could have been a simple legal act became a lifelong reminder of belonging, choice, and unconditional love. That personal story, shared in her devotional Center of the Heart, is a powerful picture of how God welcomes His children into His family.
Adoption carries a deep message of intentional love. Unlike the bond that comes automatically through birth, adoption is a choice. A stepfather choosing to legally adopt a child says, “I see you, I want you, and I will make you mine.” In Collier’s story, that earthly decision became a window into the greater truth of spiritual adoption. Just as her stepdad chose her, God chooses His children through His grace, calling them His own.
This lesson reaches far beyond her individual experience. Many readers know the weight of feeling unwanted, abandoned, or overlooked. Some carry wounds from absent parents, while others struggle with their sense of worth. Collier’s reflection points to a God who heals those wounds by declaring, “You are mine.” Her stepdad’s choice to give her his name is a simple, so far thoughtful, picture of the identity and security God offers.
Another strength of her story lies in its everyday simplicity. There was no dramatic event, no sudden transformation, only the steady reality of love shown through family. That is exactly how many people understand God’s care, not always through grand miracles, but through consistent acts of kindness, forgiveness, and presence. A stepfather stepping into a role, a mother offering prayers, or a grandmother leaving a legacy of faith reflect the Father’s heart.
Center of the Heart builds on this truth by offering daily devotionals that connect scripture with real stories. Readers are reminded of biblical promises and invited to see those promises lived out in ordinary lives. For those struggling with identity, the adoption story becomes a gentle reassurance that they, too, are chosen. For those facing loneliness, it is a reminder that God’s love is never absent.
Collier also weaves prayer into each reflection, giving readers language to express their gratitude and hope. Just as her adoption story invites reflection, the “Ponders of the Heart” sections encourage journaling and personal connection, making the lesson more than a story on a page. Over time, these daily entries form a year-long journey of healing and renewed faith.
What her stepdad taught her about love is not limited to her family. It is a truth that every reader can hold onto: God’s love is intentional, personal, and secure. This reminder is more than comforting in a world where many feel overlooked. It is life-changing.
If you want to explore how stories like this can guide you closer to God’s heart, Center of the Heart by Marilyn Collier offers a devotional journey that will encourage you every day of the year.
Read Center of the Heart by Marilyn Collier now on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1968296166/.