Bella's Baptism

It was a truly beautiful day. The day started and Bella was immediately excited. She was wearing the cross necklace my mother had given her as a gift the night before and was thrilled that today was her day. She hugged me at one point and said, "I can't believe I'm going to be baptized today." I just smiled and said, that I couldn't either, but I was so proud.

On our way to church at 4PM, Bella began to get really nervous.
She was so quiet in the car, just playing with her necklace that when I asked how she was there were tears in her eyes. We talked about it and than began to tease her to help ease her mind. By the time we actually got to church I think she was relieved to be there. We walked into the Sanctuary, which in our church is enormous, we found seats quickly, got Soph settled in her room and went out to the foyer to
meet family. Before long the service began, as I sat waiting for Bella I began to tear up, just thinking about the step she was taking, how far she had come, and how much faith, at even just 10, she has. Before long she and Marty came out with the others that were being baptized, dressed in white and in the baptismal. She had a huge smile on her face and looked so ready. Marty, on the other hand, looked so nervous. I know that he was thrilled to be able to baptize his daughter. Having accepted Christ himself recently and undergone a baptism by immersion himself he
knew exactly what this meant. Our church is one that fully believes in the parental support of children and faith and encouraged him to fully participate. He held back tears as he struggled a bit to get the words out but he did. I know the thoughts that raced through his mind; just months ago, he might not have even been there, let lone been given the privilege of baptising his own child.
In a flash Bella went under and came out of the water beaming. She immediately developed tears in her eyes and was so overwhelmed with emotion the rest of the day.
We have been gifted a child that from day one has been a blessing to us. She is more than I imagined and I am so grateful that the Good Lord has entrusted me with such a precious gem. Bella, your Dad and I are so proud of your decision and know you have been waiting so long for this. I would love to say that the road will be smooth and free of bumps, but you know better than that. There will be challenging times dear girl and moments that will challenge the core of you, but it is my biggest hope for you that you enable God to guide you. That you turn you eyes upward, cast all your cares and walk with peace and grace even through the hottest of fires. If there was ever a spirit that I knew could do it, it's you beautiful girl ~ YOU!

~Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.~Romans 6:4