A Memory to Treasure; Ellie and Ryleigh’s Baptism

 

Ellie and Ryleigh have been telling me for a few years now that they wanted to be baptized. They decided to follow Jesus on November 7th a few years ago. On November 7th, every year, we celebrate this day by baking a cake and we sing, “I Have Decided to Follow Jesus.” After the girls asked Jesus to forgive their sins and to have him lead their lives they asked to be baptized. When we have been baptized we have shown others that we are followers of Jesus. Baptism is a symbol that when we are submerged under the water we have died to our old-self and are raised up into the new-self of who Jesus created us to be.

On Sunday, August 29, 2021 our girls got baptized at Southridge Church. As we sang a worship song leading up to the baptism I was already brought to tears by the magnitude of the treasured memories that filled my heart because of their decisions to follow after Jesus. Just as I thought my mama heart would explode from happiness it was time to walk up to the stage with Michael and my girls at my side. Michael was the brave one on this day and spoke in front of the congregation. When his voice cracked from emotion too I knew both of our hearts were so full. As I gazed into Ryleigh’s eyes and he asked the question, “Ryleigh, do you want to follow Jesus all of the days of your life?” She nodded yes and Michael continued, “we now baptize you in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit,” and I dipped her under the crystal clear water. As she came up out of the water I knew her middle name Joy would forever serve her. God has proclaimed joy over Ryleigh’s life from birth and has filled her with his joy. Ryleigh is a joy carrier and a joy giver.

Next was Ellie. Michael’s voice still cracked with emotion as he shared that Ellie had an identical story to Ryleigh’s. She decided to follow Jesus and asked to be baptized. Their favorite Bible story was the true story of Jesus’ birth. Then Michael asked the question, “Ellie, do you choose to follow Jesus all the days of your life?” She too nodded yes and he proclaimed, “we now baptize you in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit,” and as she rose I looked upon her and knew why her middle name was Grace. Ellie had been given grace and she will carry grace with her and share Jesus’ grace with those she encounters.

The girls were baptized with two friends Kinley and Ryleigh this day as well. I am so grateful they are growing up with children who are also choosing to give their lives to Jesus. I hope they will encourage one another to stay in step with him and that they will always know they can turn to each other with their frustrations and greatest joys. I hope these girls will make memories and serve the LORD together for many days to come. My hope is that they will share their lives with each other and will continue to show the love of Jesus to their friends at school, on the playground and everywhere their little feet may walk.