For our very first episode of 2025, we’re bringing you another great conversation that sheds light on the real people of the foster care community.
In this episode, we are talking to Keristein Fox. Today, she’s a happily married stay-at-home mom who loves watching her three children grow and thrive. But Keristein’s story wasn’t always this joyful. She endured many dark seasons to reach where she is now.
In this episode, you’ll hear about how addiction can push people toward actions they regret, the crucial role kinship care can play in the foster care system, how Jesus offers hope and healing in even the most dire of circumstances, and much more.
- Connect with Keristein on Instagram
- Give to The Forgotten Initiative
- Foster Care & the Church
TAKEAWAYS FROM TODAY’S CONVERSATION:
1. Our hope is found in Christ.
Keristein was overcome with addiction and hopelessness that ultimately led to her child being placed in kinship care for a period of time. Nothing Keristein turned to seemed to help turn her life around—until she turned to Christ. Keristein’s experience is a powerful reminder that before we can resolve the external manifestations of our problems, we have to address what’s going on with our hearts.
“I was trying to find a worldly solution to a spiritual problem.’”
2. Shame keeps us in our brokenness.
For anyone who has made a mistake, you know how shame can try to keep you where you are—preventing growth and healing. If we allow it to, shame will constantly feed us the lie that we will never find peace, we can never be restored, and that God could never love us. When we allow ourselves to learn from our mistakes, let go of shame that isn’t serving us, and work towards becoming the best version of ourselves, we can live the kind of life that God has wanted for us all along.
“I didn’t feel worthy enough to be her mom and I didn’t feel worthy enough for second chance.”
3. Sometimes we have to see healing to believe it is possible.
There are times when we need proof to believe that redemption and healing is possible for us. Seeing someone who has been through similar circumstances as you and prevailed, or even just hearing their story, can be enough for you to believe that God can redeem you, too. This is why community is so vital; the love of other people can provide encouragement and support in our darkest days.
“It was so moving to have somebody that went through the same thing I was going through and beat it. That was the moment that I knew I wanted to be that person for somebody.”
Meet Our Guest
Keristein Fox is a parent to three children. She recently graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in criminal justice with a concentration in human services. Keristein struggled for many years with addiction and saw the foster care system up close when her oldest daughter was placed into kinship care with family. For years she despised the system, but with personal healing, she has come to see it now in a different light. Her greatest passion is to be a stay-at-home mom to her children and bring hope to those who are navigating foster care.
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