In A Nutshell

My name is Richard Lynn McCulley, and rlmjourney.org is where I share my adoption journey and the story behind it. More than 60 years after being adopted at the age of seven and raised in New Sharon, Iowa by Kenneth and Barbara McCulley, I reflect on the path that has shaped my life.

My faith in the Lord Jesus Christ has been the foundation of my strength and direction. Through every challenge—including questions of identity, belonging, and even unresolved legal issues surrounding my adoption—I have come to believe that every life has value.

This site is a place where I share the experiences that have impacted me most, with the hope of encouraging others—especially those touched by adoption—and pointing to a life marked by faith, perseverance, and the desire to be an overcomer.

My biological parents

Dick Bush Obituary

Richard Harold Bush
(Dick)

My birth father was very knowledgeable in Jazz music; that would account for the reel-to-reel tape recorder that I remember seeing in our living room as a child.

Marilyn Joyce Bush
(Lynn)

My birth mothers name is (was) Marilyn Smith (a.k.a. -Marilyn Albertson, Marilyn Douglas, Marilyn Bush) and her last known address 18-SEP-1986 was Chicago, IL.

The Purpose

The purpose of rlmjourney.org is to share my personal journey through the adoption process and offer a glimpse into the story behind it.

Adoption is a deeply complex and, at times, difficult experience. I do not know what it is like to be raised by my natural parents—that is something I cannot relate to, and it is a part of my life that is simply missing. I have no baby pictures or photos from my early childhood to look back on. Although I was seven years old when my siblings and I were placed into the custody of the American Homefinding Association, I have very few memories of those early years.

As an adoptee, you learn to do your best—to fit in, to adapt, and to survive.

I would not be where I am today without the hand of God guiding every aspect of my life.

It is my desire to promote the living, breathing, life-changing Word of God. Hebrews 11:1 tells us that “faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God.” In other words, if you want to grow in your faith, you must feed on His Word. Hearing the Word of God produces faith, and acting upon that Word brings freedom.

The Word of God is the most powerful and enduring force on earth. As written in Isaiah, “The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: but the word of our God shall stand for ever.” Both the Old and New Testaments testify to this truth.

Hebrews 4:12 declares: “For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword… and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.”

Without question, the Word of God is the most important influence in my life. Through it, my life has been completely transformed—from someone who was lost and without hope to someone filled with confidence and purpose. That transformation began with one simple, life-changing decision: to follow Jesus Christ. As II Corinthians 5:17 says, “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.”

This blog serves as a platform to fulfill two important desires in my life:

  1. To share my testimony with those who may not know me.

  2. To share “Faith Bytes” to give you a snapshot of things that I have learned through the scriptures.

While you may not find deeply personal details, you will find stories that illustrate how profoundly God’s Word has impacted my life.

Testimonial

Dear Richard ..

I’ve known your story my whole life and it often brings tears to my eyes as it did again today as I read your words. As a child I remember the “adults” talking about you and hearing their struggles with how to handle you. I never understood what they were talking about .. I only remember loving you along with your sister and brother. As an adult I’ve come to love and respect you more than you know. A man that God is surely proud of. I was so excited for you for Labor Day weekend when you told me you were to meet with your brother John and was thrilled to get to meet him and his wife in person that very same day. May this reunion along with your sister bring much joy to your life. Thank you for sharing your heart and your love for the Lord. I look forward to reading more .. soon. 🙂

Much love, Jamie

Jamie Tschantz

Comments

Please e-mail comments to richard@rlmjourney.org