Today I am thankful for so many things…for all the blessings God has given me this year…for family and friends and His provision. I am especially thankful for the huge decision Hannah made this summer to follow Jesus. This is a moment I’ve prayed for since the moment I knew she was on the way. Today I want to reflect on her recent baptism.
Saturday was such a beautiful day all around as we watched our Hannah Joy get baptized. Hannah made her decision to follow Jesus back in May and has been nervous but looking forward to this next step in telling others about her decision. Justin and I couldn’t be more proud.
Justin’s parents and sister were able to make arrangements to fly up early, as they usually come up for Thanksgiving. And to my surprise (and Hannah’s too) my sister, Erin, was also able to fly up and be here. The Leitch family was able to come support her too. I’m also so thankful for technology and the ability for so many friends and family to attend online through our church’s livestream. We felt surrounded by God’s love and the love of family and friends all day.
There were so many God sightings. So many people were cheering us on from the moment we walked in the doors of the church. Hannah was nervous but grinning from ear to ear. We were able to get some front row seats over to one of the sides. All three of Hannah’s teachers from her school were there to support her. I could tear up just to think about that. In a public school, she has had faithful teachers supporting her every day and I love that they gave of their time to show Hannah how much they love and care about her and this big decision. I love that when she goes to school, I know she is prayed for and cared for on a whole other level by these fellow Christ followers.
Our Lead Pastor Ted Bryant gave the message before baptism and just before he invited all those being baptized to gather at the back, he mentioned that this was a special time and that this celebration was a thin place between heaven and Earth. Right away I teared up because I immediately thought of my parents and the huge grins on their faces watching down on this moment that I know they too prayed for and wanted to be there for.
As we gathered at the back to form a line to get ready for baptism, God saw it fit to partner us with Leslie as our guide, who has worked with me for years on the proofing team at the church, and it was just perfect to walk with her as she encouraged Hannah along the way. Because there were so many getting baptized, they added another pool which we ended up going to that was right where our family and friends were sitting and could get the best view. And even better that one of Hannah’s teachers was on stage singing with the worship team just above it.
When Hannah got in the pool I immediately teared up with such joy. My little girl was doing a huge thing, and she was nervous but excited to tell the world. What a beautiful, amazing moment to experience. And as we walked out to head to the changing area, we were met by so many people cheering her on. We saw so many faces of people that have watched her grow up and also the Kids team that has played such a huge part in teaching Hannah about Jesus with us.
After changing, we headed to a table of gift bags that each person getting baptized received as well as a Bible with a special, personal message to Hannah from our lead pastor. Then at the end of the line was the prayer team and Mrs. Joyce Laurent was there to pray with Hannah, and we realized that 8 years ago she helped us dedicate Hannah when she was a baby. What a beautiful way to wrap this moment and it reminded me of all the ways God works in the details we could never imagine or think of.
And just when I thought God was done, He showed off again. As staff at Granger Community Church, every time there is a baptism we take time in our staff meeting to write out special notes of encouragement and prayer to those getting baptized. When we write these we don’t know who will get them but always trust that the right person will get the note God wants them to. Justin helped Hannah open her gift bag from the church and pulled out her note…and it was from me! Out of 180+ notes written by staff; she received mine. Only God could work in such a beautiful detail. Our family felt loved throughout this whole experience. God is so good!
And one more moment to note of the day was at bedtime. Hannah’s prayer mentioned the beauty of the day and that she did it all for Him. And then what she said next hit me in an amazing way. She thanked God for putting words in her head when she was scared/nervous before baptism. She knew it was His voice encouraging her that when it was all over, she wouldn’t be afraid anymore. It’s what she kept repeating in her head any time she got nervous. She carried it a step further and thanked Him that she now had these words to use in the future whenever she was afraid. My mama heart just soaked this moment up knowing that she is already hearing from her gift of the Holy Spirit. I am so thankful that she doesn’t have to go another day without it! Thank you, God for all of this and for all the things I don’t even see every day that wraps together according to your perfect plan.
