201 – How Do You Love an Adopted Child Who Won’t Let You In? Jackson TerKeurst’s Story of Survival, Hope, and Healing

When connection feels impossible, is it still love? (Yes! Here’s how.) Hi Neighbor, Today, I’m joined by my neighbor from West Africa by way of Nashville, Jackson TerKeurst. Jackson opens up about his journey from civil war in Liberia to Tennessee, and what it was like to be an adopted teenager with walls built for survival. He brings a powerful perspective on what love felt like on the receiving end of trauma… and what helped him slowly open the door to connection 🔓❤️. 🎧 You’ll hear:  • 🧠 What adoptive parents need to understand about the “shut down” behaviors they often misread
  • 🪨 How Jackson’s parents stayed steady, even when he wouldn’t engage
  • 🔑 What finally broke through the silence (and what didn’t)
  • 💔 Practical encouragement for the parent who feels like their love isn’t working This episode dives deep into what it means to love through rejection 🚫, resistance 🌀, and silence 🤐 — the painful places trauma creates when a child’s heart can’t receive the love you're offering. If you’re an adoptive parent or someone walking alongside a family impacted by trauma, this episode will encourage you to stay rooted in hope even when it’s hard to see fruit. You’ll learn how to hold space, stay steady, and love through layers of trauma. Anchors of Hope and Healing are on the way.
 Your Neighbor,
 Tim P.S. If you haven’t joined our private community, consider this an invitation. It’s a safe space to share your struggles and triumphs with fellow adoptive parents who truly understand what you're going through. Connect with Jackson: Instagram Website Book