Our daughter was born a tiny 6 pounds 1 ounce. She was sweet and delicate, her skin like a butterflies wing against my cheek. I shared a room with another mother who’s precious baby cried all through the night. I held Paige against me and covered us with the white hospital sheets to shield her from the noise. She slept so peacefully I kept waking up just to make sure she was still breathing.
Paige was baptized the week of her 10th birthday. Covered in water with a promise. I watched her step away from me and her father toward a life of complete trust of the one who can give her much more than a sheet of protection. I whispered a thank you for this gift of a girl who was now big enough to make decisions all on her own.
Sometimes we hold them close, not wanting to let go. Shielding them as if our protection is always a good thing. The right thing. The only thing. I waited so long to baptize Paige. She asked and asked and I presented my list of reasons to wait. I asked myself, is she really ready? I wanted my parents there. A sunny day. The perfect timing. MY perfect timing. Our children aren’t really OURS. They’re on loan from HIM. That’s when I heard loud and clear “It’s not about YOU... don’t wait. don’t wait.”
What about you mama? Do you have a little boy or girl who loves The Lord? Have they asked to be baptized? When they asked, what was your response?
After Paige was baptized women have come up to me to tell me that they witnessed that special day. A teacher in Paige’s school, a woman in children’s ministry, a lady in my bible study... each woman spoke with tears in her eyes. Each mama’s heart wanting so much for their own child to chase after The Lord. To proclaim it. Some of the women shared stories of their child’s baptism while others said, “I’ve waited, and I don’t know why.”
It takes courage to stand in front of your church and commit to following The Lord. But when you do, you make people feel brave. You show them the beauty of not waiting.
So when is the right time? Is it when your child is perfect and mature and can recite the entire bible by memory? No. The time is right when they ask. And your response out of obedience should be YES!
His timing is perfect while our timing is filled with expectations. If your child has said YES to God, put those white sheets on the line and let them blow in the wind. It’s ok to let go, step back and watch your child follow through with one of the most important decisions they will ever make. His robe of righteousness is more than enough. It is everything.
ABOUT BAPTISM
WHAT: The act of baptism is not to make God love you more. It’s to show that you are committing to follow and love Him.
WHO: Anyone who has been baptized and who loves Jesus can baptize.
Anyone who has asked Jesus into their hearts and would like to follow Him can be baptized
WHERE: ACF church
WHEN: ACF will hold baptism services every 2nd weekend during family worship. The next baptism will take place on February 8/9.
CONTACT: Julie Washington for more information at julie@acfellowship.org. 512-381-5714
