This is My Adoption Story: They Chose Me with Denise Defoe Part 1
Release Date: 11/30/2021
Episode 5: My Perspective on the Kirk Franklin Documentary - Part 1
Adoptees in Arms
The adoption reunion experience is complicated and brings with it its own set of challenges. Join me as I unpack key moments from the If you need help understanding the complexities of this journey and finding peace when you’re missing pieces, this episode is for you. Connect with Iris:
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Episode 4: Don't Take it Personally
Adoptees in Arms
What happens when you get too dependent or too attached to the opinions, the feedback, or expectations of others? I've often spoken of people pleasing, but what about when we take things personally? Welcome to this new season of Adoptees in Arms where we help adult adoptees find hope and peace in God's word. Join me in this episode where I simply encourage you to not take it personally. Scripture Mentioned in This Episode: Jeremiah 17:5 NKJV Other Resources: Our Website: - YouVersion Bible Reading Plan
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Trailer Episode: Fall 2023 Season
Adoptees in Arms
How do we handle setbacks, disappointments, and unexpected losses? Let me tell you, I have had my share of all of the above. This journey is not easy, but I want to walk alongside you as you find the strength you need to trust God for whatever is next. The new season of Adoptees in Arms will provide you with the insight and biblical wisdom that you need to navigate any difficult season you may face. Episode 1 releases on Thursday, September 7th. Make sure to follow so you don't miss a single episode. I am excited about finding hope and healing in God's word.
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Episode 3: Love Restores
Adoptees in Arms
As we conclude the month of February, National Heart Health Month, I desire to encourage you with a message straight from my heart. If you have been hurt or wounded on this journey, don’t expect your healing to come at the hands of those who wounded you. I want to invite you to lay your cares down at the feet of Jesus–all of your cares, those spoken and those tucked away in the crevices of your mind. Allow HIs perfect love to restore you and heal you everywhere you hurt. Trust me, He is well able to do that. Scripture Resources: "O Lord, You have searched me and...
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Episode 2: Adoptees and the Importance of Community
Adoptees in Arms
When I was prompted by Holy Spirit to shift the podcast from Hidden Jewels to Adoptees in Arms, one of the first people I talked to was my best friend since 4th grade, Debra Cheek. She made a statement that was also recently shared by a faithful listener, “Iris, we need to hear your story!” I pondered her statement for several weeks before I asked her if she would interview me as a way of kicking off the conversation through the Adoptees in Arms podcast. Without hesitation, she agreed. In this episode with the , we share a candid conversation about my adoption story. ...
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Episode 1: Why We Shifted - The ReLaunch Episode
Adoptees in Arms
"So, you're called to podcast, huh?" "Who's going to want to hear what you have to say?" "You're gonna talk about what?" These are the internal questions that I have battled for over a year and the answers to these questions have led me to this moment-- Welcome to the first episode of the newly relaunched Adoptees in Arms podcast. I am so excited that you are here! In this episode, I will share why we pivoted and made the change from Hidden Jewels to Adoptees in Arms. Connect with Iris: Finding Hope & Peace: Here are some of the things I talked about in this episode: The power...
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Reflection 2022 - The Grace to Cross Over
Adoptees in Arms
For the past year, , has been going through a preparation for new leadership. 2002 has been considered the year of shifting for us in ministry. I understood that and embraced it. However, it just dawned on me that it is also a time of shifting as it relates to the ministry assignment of Hidden Jewels. This is the final episode of Hidden Jewels, but I will continue podcasting, just with a new name and a new mission. It is my prayer that you will be encouraged as you cross over into the new that God has prepared for you.
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Adopted and Healed with Kristen Yates
Adoptees in Arms
We are still elevating the voices of adult adoptees in our series "Adopted and Healed." Today I have the opportunity to speak with Kristen Yates is a Transracial Afrolatina Adoptee. She loves to find ways of being creative, capture a moment in a photo and enjoy making memories with those I love. She has an extensive background with adolescents and a degree in Psychology. She has recently changed direction in her career by working with young adults where she coaches and mentors them through various life situations. She will be releasing a workshop in 2023, which is designed to equip...
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Adopted and Healed with Kristina Wise
Adoptees in Arms
Kristina R. Wise is a passionate speaker, educator & CEO & Founder of Spiritual Healing Sisterhood, Inc. Kristina is a fun and energetic Bible teacher who encourages women to flourish in their purpose. Most recent author of “Strength In Him” written from her daily quiet times with The Lord, Kristina wrote this book to encourage women to know where their strength comes from. Her educational background started her love for teaching God's Word and her desire to travel the world speaking His Word. She is the founder and CEO of Spiritual Healing Sisterhood, Inc. Where their mission is to see...
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Adopted and Healed with Sherry Jones
Adoptees in Arms
We have entered the month of November, National Adoption Awareness Month, and we are celebrating this month with a special podcast series, Adopted and Healed. Our special guest today is Sherry Jones of Sherry Speaks Life, who will tell us a bit of her adopted and heal journey. Sherry Jones believes in the power of speaking life! She is passionate about helping women transform their negative thoughts and words into positive ones rooted in the Word of God. She believes speaking life is a lifestyle we must embrace. Sherry is a certified Christian Life Coach, author, speaker, and podcast...
info_outlineBorn in San Diego, Denise Defoe has lived in Maryland for most of her life. She is a licensed social worker who is currently working as a psychotherapist.
Denise obtained her Bachelors of Social Work degree from Oakwood University in 2003. After college, Denise matriculated at the University of Alabama under the prestigious, full ride, Daniel Scholarship and earned her Masters Degree in Social Work in 2004.
Her crowning achievement to date has been the completion and release of her memoir, They Chose Me: An Adoption Story
released in June 2019. This book chronicles her journey as an adoptee. The readers are taken on a decades-long odyssey filled with a variety of emotions stemming from her sense of abandonment. From grief, anger, and resentment, Denise was able to come to a place of acceptance, forgiveness, and peace. She is now able to speak about this journey and serve as a consultant and advocate for adoptees, adoptive parents, and birth parents. Sharing her story has empowered others to stand strong within their own story.
Her greatest personal joy and fulfillment come from her life as a wife and mother. She is married to Dr. David I. Defoe and together they are the proud parents of their daughter Dayna Imara.
Connect with Her Online:
Website // Email // Instragram // Purchase They Chose Me: An Adoption Story