Memory is a funny thing. I distinctly remember getting baptized when I was 11. I thought it was a special day because it was our church's Christmas baptism and that year it fell on Christmas Day itself. However, looking at the calendar, December 25, 1996 was a Thursday. This means either I wasn't 11 when I was baptized (maybe I was 9?!) or I wasn't baptized on Christmas Day. Either way, at some point in the 90's, I got dunked and it was a good thing. =0).
Last Sunday (DEFINITELY March 30), our dear Thaliea was baptized at our church. It was a day filled with joy and emotion and we're so proud of her for taking that step.
Baptism is one of those really interesting church traditions that really reveals a lot about your church background (or at least your church's theology). At CBCOC, where I was baptized, being baptized meant that you were officially a "member" of the church, which meant you were allowed to vote on church issues (once you turned 18). This made the decision to get baptized one that really emphasized the community aspect of baptism. You were making a decision to be part of this community. At Bridge, where we go now, since we don't have membership, it leans more towards the "public declaration of faith" side of things. Yes, the hope is that'll you'll stay to be a part of the community but it's not a requisite for baptism. I think there are pros and cons to both ways of doing things, and there are other ways to look at it as well. I just think it's interesting.
Anyway, back to Thaliea... =0).
Thaliea asked to be baptized last year but there were scheduling conflicts (we were going to be out of town on the baptism days). Added to that, in my conversations with her, it became pretty clear that she still wasn't totally sure of what the Gospel was, what baptism represented, and why she wanted to follow Jesus. This time, when she asked us about it again, I had the same conversation with her but she had a much better grasp of the Gospel and could explain it (or at least explain it in 7 year old terms) well enough for Megan and me to say, "why not?!"
Friends, if there's one thing that our church does up, it's a baptism. We had 26 people getting baptized last Sunday! The kids ministry did a song and a dance and everyone had their faith story shared. One of the things I love about Bridge is how they walk people through how to write their testimonies. Thaliea was one of the first ones up, which was great because she invited some friends to see her and they had to leave when church ran long. We were honored to be up there with her and I was doubly honored to be the one to dunk her.
We had a party afterwards and she got a few gifts from people to go along with many congratulatory phone calls. I think her favorite gift was the bible she got from us with her name engraved on it. She's been reading it every day.
Ultimately, we'll see what Ezra and Jonah decide they want to do and when they want to do it. We aren't rushing the process and are just letting God do His thing. He's worked in the heart of Thaliea to the point where she wanted to make a public declaration of faith. For that, we are eternally grateful.
Have an excellent day!
~Adam
