Dedicated

Tomorrow, on Mother's day, our church will hold an annual child dedication service. The participants are typically children born within the last year. Some older children will be a part of the ceremony also. The purpose is to recognize the responsibility that God has given parents to raise their children in His way and to pledge to seek God's help and wisdom as they strive to their best bringing up their children. We will be a part of this service as we dedicate Dinah to God and promise to guide her in His way.

I have never been one to do something just because everyone else was doing it. I usually put quite a bit of thought in to decisions and this time was no different. Why should we take part in this service? Ty and Tess were not dedicated. When they were born, our church did not offer this and I did not ask for it. Does that mean I don't care about them as much or that I won't teach them to follow God? No. Is this service something I think is necessary for my children to become godly individuals? No.

My children have been dedicated to God ever since we knew they were in utero. I prayed for Dinah specifically for over a year before I knew she was to be born. Over and over, I have pledged them to God as I rocked them, sang to them and prayed over them. We teach them that God's Word and Way is the ONLY way to find joy and fulfillment in their lives. Why do I need to stand up in front of the church and dedicate Dinah before the people of First Baptist Church?

Firstly, we ask for accountability. We want everyone to know that it is our desire to follow God's commands and lead our little ones to live within God's protective boundaries so they can walk in the freedom of His love. The Bible doesn't require that I present my child to the front of the church and promise to raise him or her right. But we chose to so that if we falter in this commitment, we would like fellow Christ followers to remind us of the promise we shared with you on this day.

Also, we love our church family. We share our children with you. While we know that the responsibility of teaching them about Jesus is ours, you help us by spending time with them, being Christian examples, and just loving them. We share this promise with you.

Another reason we believe this is a worthy thing to do, is that we want our older children to see that growing up in God, is important. By taking time out to declare our commitment and asking for prayer and support, hopefully they will understand a little more the reasons we have for the decisions we make. This is another way to show them that we love them and their present and future is at the fore of our minds. We are DEDICATED to them.

We have dedicated all of our children to God in our hearts and in our home. Tomorrow, we will dedicate our children to Him in front of our friends and fellow Christians. I humbly hope to one day be able to help younger women love their children better.

Happy Mother's Day. I pray your day is filled with joy and fullness with the gift you have been given. If you aren't a momma, remember and love your momma. I also pray for all those whose arms ache for children and for those who celebrate this day without their moms. I know all to well that this day can bring pain. May God give you comfort and rest in His promises.

One blessed momma who wants to be dedicated,

Anna