Ore Kaffo: The Transformative Difference of Understanding Your Identity as a Child of God
Oct 9, 2024
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Ore Kaffo, a widow and mother of two, is an inspiring public speaker and author of "Knocked for Six." In this discussion, she shares her powerful journey from being abducted by her birth mother at a young age to rediscovering her identity in Nigeria. Ore delves into her experiences with foster care, illuminating the complexities of belonging and family dynamics. She also reflects on transformative encounters with missionaries and the profound impact of embracing faith, highlighting the universal bond of being children of God.
Ore Kaffo emphasizes that understanding one’s true identity as a child of God fosters resilience and compassion amidst adversities.
Her experiences highlight the significance of nurturing environments and supportive relationships in shaping a child's self-esteem and identity.
Deep dives
Experience of Foster Care and Kidnapping
Ore Kafo shares her early life as one of 70,000 West African children placed in the foster care of white British families, expressing the uniqueness of her journey. She was lovingly raised by a Scottish father and an English mother, but this stability was disrupted when her birth mother abducted her at the age of seven. The ensuing trauma of being taken back to Nigeria was compounded by cultural and linguistic challenges, leading to feelings of alienation in an environment where she should have belonged. Ore reflects on how this experience shaped her understanding of identity and belonging, highlighting that the color of one's skin only matters when society decides it does.
The Role of Foster Family
Ore recounts the profound impact her foster family had on her life, emphasizing the love and support provided by her Scottish father and English mother. Her foster father played a critical role in instilling confidence in her identity as a Black girl, teaching her to view her skin color as a gift rather than a hindrance. The warmth and affection she received in their home helped her navigate the complexities of her identity until the traumatic separation challenged her self-worth. This relationship underscores the importance of nurturing environments in shaping positive self-esteem and resilience in children.
Journey to Faith and Healing
Following her tumultuous childhood, Ore’s journey to finding faith began when she was introduced to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints by missionaries ten months after first rejecting their teachings. Initially hesitant, her eventual acceptance came when a particular missionary resonated deeply with her, ultimately leading to her baptism. Through her faith, Ore found healing from her victim mentality, recognizing that everyone in her story was largely a product of their circumstances and not villainous figures. This shift in perspective empowered her to approach her past with compassion and understanding, facilitating her emotional growth and acceptance.
Empowerment Through Adversity
Ore discusses her belief that life’s challenges are not merely obstacles, but opportunities for personal growth and divine purpose. Despite experiencing numerous hardships, including her husband’s death and subsequent financial struggles, she recognizes these trials as integral to her journey of self-discovery. Leveraging her past, she aims to inspire others to find joy amidst adversity, reflecting her commitment to living authentically and putting faith into action. Ore concludes by affirming that true identity lies in being a child of God, and that embracing this perspective allows her to contribute positively to the lives of others.
When she was just 7 years old, Ore Kaffo was abducted from her foster family—the only family she had ever known—by her birth mother. After living her entire life in England, a place that had always been happy for her, she found herself back in her home country of Nigeria. Her entire world was changed, and along with that, she struggled to make sense of her identity. As she wrestled to understand her new existence, she came to realize that she is, first and foremost, a child of God. On this week’s episode, Ore shares her remarkable story and her undeniable light.
2:17- White Nanny, Black Child 15:01- Lessons From Foster Father 18:15- Learning From Missionaries and Becoming One 29:00- Reunited 33:07- No Heroes and No Villains 40:50- Identity as Children of God 44:47- What Does It Mean To Be All In the Gospel of Jesus Christ?
“It doesn’t matter if somebody is from Zibwabwe or Tokyo or Pakistan or from America, if we all identify as children of God then we are one people.”