The Heart Behind the Adoption Song “From God’s Arms to My Arms to Yours”
The Story Behind This Adoption Song
Some adoption songs are written from personal experience. This one was written from sacred trust.
From God’s Arms to My Arms to Yours was born after songwriter Michael McLean received a phone call from a young expectant mother who had made the deeply emotional decision to place her baby for adoption. She explained that one of McLean’s earlier songs had helped her find peace during her pregnancy, and she asked him for something profoundly personal: a song she could sing to the adoptive family as a way to express her love for her child.
At first, McLean hesitated. He didn’t feel it was his story to tell. But as he listened to her words — full of courage, grief, hope, and faith — he realized this adoption song wasn’t about him at all. It was about honoring a birth mother’s love and the invisible thread connecting everyone involved in adoption.
The result was a song written as a blessing. Not a goodbye, but a bridge. A bridge from heaven to earth, such as this painting depicts.
Read the full original story here:
https://latterdaysaintmag.com/article-1-7955/
See more artwork from Keeley Rae at
Why “From God’s Arms to My Arms to Yours” Became an Adoption Song Loved by Many
What makes this adoption song so powerful is its honesty. It doesn’t pretend adoption is easy. It acknowledges love, loss, and trust — all at the same time.
Birth mothers hear their own hearts reflected in the lyrics.
Adoptive parents hear reassurance and responsibility.
Adoptees hear that their story began with intention and love.
At Heart to Heart Adoptions, we often talk about honoring everyone in the adoption triad — birth parents, adoptive parents, and the child. This song does exactly that in a way few words ever could.
Learn more about our approach to ethical, compassionate adoption:
https://hearttoheartadopt.com/
Art and Adoption: Keeley Rae’s Connection
This blog will also feature artwork by Keeley Rae, whose paintings beautifully reflect themes of connection, belonging, and family.
Visit her website:
https://www.keeleyraeartstudio.com/
Keeley Rae has four siblings who were adopted, giving her a deeply personal connection to adoption. Her art, much like this adoption song, reflects the quiet truths and emotional depth that adoption brings into families’ lives.
Michael McLean was asked to share this song as part of his keynote address at the 2009 Conference on Adoption at Utah Valley University. This video shows him performing the adoption song live for the audience.
Why This Adoption Song Still Matters Today
Whether someone is considering adoption, parenting through adoption, or processing their own adoption story, From God’s Arms to My Arms to Yours continues to offer comfort and validation.
At Heart to Heart Adoptions, we believe stories matter — especially the ones that remind birth mothers they are seen, adoptive families that they are entrusted, and adoptees that they have always been loved.
Explore resources for birth parents:
https://hearttoheartadopt.com/im-pregnant/
Learn about open adoption and connection:
https://hearttoheartadopt.com/open-adoption/
Included here is a second YouTube video of the song, recorded in the studio with a female singer, offering clearer audio for listeners who want to hear every word.
FAQ: Adoption Song & Meaning
Is “From God’s Arms to My Arms to Yours” an adoption song?
Yes. It is widely recognized as an adoption song written from the perspective of a birth mother expressing love, trust, and hope for her child and the adoptive family.
Who wrote the adoption song?
The song was written by Michael McLean after a conversation with an expectant mother who had chosen adoption and asked him to help her express what she felt.
Why is this adoption song meaningful to birth mothers?
It acknowledges the depth of a birth mother’s love and affirms that choosing adoption does not erase that bond.
Why do adoptive families connect with this song?
The lyrics emphasize trust, responsibility, and gratitude — reminding adoptive parents that their child’s story began with intention and love.
Where can I learn more about ethical adoption?
You can explore education, support, and ethical adoption practices through Heart to Heart Adoptions:
https://hearttoheartadopt.com/