Tony And Lauren Dungy Have Fostered Over 100 Kids Over The Years: ‘They Need Stability, They Need Love’
By Movieguide® Contributor
Pro Football Hall of Fame coach Tony Dungy and his wife Lauren recently opened up about their decision to foster over 100 children over the years.
“We love children. Children are our passion, and we just believe that we can pour into them and just help them, guide them through life,” Lauren said while the couple appeared on the TODAY SHOW.
“We made that decision early on that when we were going to foster children, we wouldn’t say ‘no,’ because we know the children are in crisis and they need a home,” she continued. “They need stability. They need love. So we opened our doors to the kids, and we’ve had over 100 children walk through our door.”
The couple co-authored a book, titled Uncommon Influence: Saying Yes to a Purposeful Life.
Tony explained that the purpose of the book is to “encourage people to let God lead.”
The couple are parents to 11 kids, some of whom are adopted and foster children. Tony joked that wrangling such a large number of kids comes easier to the couple because of their jobs — Tony as a football coach, and Lauren as a teacher.
The legendary football coach also discussed how the couple have managed to take on so many foster children in their lives.
“I think it’s a matter of just being prepared for them and knowing they’re going to happen,” he explained. “And for us, that’s how it’s been when we’ve registered as foster parents. That’s the first thing that’s happened – ‘Hey, we’ve got an emergency situation, can you do this?’ And you have to say, ‘Yes, we’re willing’ – and those are some of the most fun ones.”
Movieguide® previously reported on the Dungys’ dedication to taking in children who need homes:
For Tony, understanding God’s calling starts with prayer.
“We just have to get used to listening and hearing and that’s where prayer comes in. One thing Lauren and I talk about amongst ourselves is, is it something that is glorying God? Is it something that we’re passionate about? And if both of those are yes, then there’s a good chance we are hearing from the Lord,” Tony said.
Through prayer and listening to God’s call on their hearts, the couple found that they loved children and wanted to do more for those in the foster care system.
“We both love children and are passionate about mentoring, supporting, and encouraging children and actually people of all ages,” she said. “When we heard about that great need, we decided to enroll in the classes, did the training and opened our home.”
“It is challenging. Our secret is prayer. We start our day going before the Lord as a couple, praying together for each other. Learning from God. We all need wisdom and need to know what God would have us to do,” Lauren added. “Once we start the day with prayer, things run pretty smoothly. We’re always intentional about spending time together as a couple.”
While foster care presents unique challenges, Lauren and Tony said that one thing that helps them pursue God’s calling is maintaining their relationship with one another.
“If our whole lives revolve around the children and we don’t take the time to enjoy each other, it could get challenging,” she said. “It could get overwhelming, but we really make it a point at least a half hour, an hour of alone time without the kids. We do that every day. That really helps our household run smoothly. I think it’s identifying what you need in your home to have things run with order.”
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Now more than ever we’re bombarded by darkness in media, movies, and TV. Movieguide® has fought back for almost 40 years, working within Hollywood to propel uplifting and positive content. We’re proud to say we’ve collaborated with some of the top industry players to influence and redeem entertainment for Jesus. Still, the most influential person in Hollywood is you. The viewer.
What you listen to, watch, and read has power. Movieguide® wants to give you the resources to empower the good and the beautiful. But we can’t do it alone. We need your support.
You can make a difference with as little as $7. It takes only a moment. If you can, consider supporting our ministry with a monthly gift. Thank you.
Movieguide® is a 501c3 and all donations are tax deductible.
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