Periagoge
Concept
1 min read

The Beloved's Autonomy

Respecting a foster child's inner freedom and spiritual agency, even when their choices diverge from the foster parent's hopes.

Rabia
Why It Matters

Rabia's radical love included honoring God's absolute otherness and freedom—she did not presume to know what was best for the Divine. Foster parents can apply this wisdom by recognizing that each child has an irreducible inner life, desires, and destiny that may not align with the foster family's vision. This means listening deeply to what the child wants, where they want to belong, and honoring their connections to birth family, culture, and origin even when it complicates the foster placement. The concept teaches that true belonging is built through respect for autonomy, not erasure of it. A foster child who feels their own will is honored develops secure identity and trust, knowing they are loved not for compliance but for their authentic self.

Helpful guides
Rabia
Parenting & Community
Peri
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