A NEW BIRTH

Believe it was around the ripe age of 11 when I walked down the aisle during the invitation song to confess that Jesus was my Lord and Savior and was ready to be baptized. That song might have been “Just as I Am” as it seemed to be the going song for invitational response. A good friend, Lora, had already gone forward to do the same. My parents were surprised. Never had I mentioned the desire to be baptized let alone the intention of doing it that evening (yes, for those in shock, church met three times a week). It was an important day and it would also be the last day my best friend’s father would be Candelaria Church of Christ’s pulpit minister. Not only would Laura be gone, but also a man I considered a significant part of my life (actually the entire family) and the only one I could ever imagine being involved in such a life-changing event.

Over the years have questioned my real motivation of that night and whether or not I became baptized for the right reason and not just because Bob was leaving. Have witnessed a handful of self-proclaimed Christians becoming baptized again for one reason or another and to be honest, wondered if I should be doing the same. However, I knew I loved the Lord and 40 years later still believe in the same basic principles, so I’d say I’m fine in God’s eyes.

This morning a pretty, young lady was baptized and unlike me, she let her desires be known but waited a week until her father would be home. Charles is a Marine and stationed in Northern California and periodically returns home to be with his family. Shelby not only wanted her dad home to observe this special time, but also to participate by baptizing her. Charles also baptized his son, Marcus, last year.

For some unknown reason, I grew up believing that only a “man of the cloth” could perform this ritual; otherwise, the baptism would be null and void. Actually having your own father dunking your body into that freezing, cold water in the baptistery. What a concept and a great concept at that. Who better than an earthly father turning over his child to the Heavenly Father. Charles is not the first father I have seen do this but did like what he said, “One of the best things you can do--baptize your child.” I was raised in a Bible-believing, God-fearing home and now wish that Dad could have had the privilege that night so many years ago.

Now subject to debate: What if a mother wanted to do the same? Yes, what if Glenda would have liked to baptize Shelby today? Personally, I don’t think God would mind at all.