This week was a big week for my Maylie girl. In fact, probably the biggest week of her entire life, and one that I, as a Mama, could not be prouder to have witnessed and been a part of.
Let me step back a bit. Ever since Maylie found out that she could choose to be baptized once she was in fourth grade, she had made her mind up that she couldn’t wait to do it. After all, she grew up in the church, praying, knowing God and turning to Him when times have gotten tough (especially in the last two years with all the changes at home). So, when it was time to sign up for classes to get baptized, she was stoked.
However, classes started last week – when I was out of town – and a parent has to attend with the child. And well, I think it is as good of time as any to introduce you all to Lee.
You see, Lee is a guy who has been coming around for a little while now – albeit too soon after the girls’ dad left – but, even after several attempts of telling him that he was too soon and needed to go, he told me he would wait and I (and these girls) were worth it.
But more to come about him in future columns – this story isn’t about him, its about Maylie. Ok, it is mainly about Maylie with little glimpses of the value Lee has brought into my girls’ and my lives.
Anyway, we were in a conundrum. Maylie had been looking forward to being baptized for a while, and I was going to be states away. In Lee-like fashion, he offered to take her to the first class. To say the least, Maylie was elated.
So last week, they attended this class together – learning about all things baptism – and Maylie received a paper to write her testimony. However, Maylie was perplexed. There was a question on there to which she didn’t have the answer: “Tell us about when and how you accepted Jesus as your Savior.”
You see, to Maylie, she just has always known Jesus – I started praying with her when she was in the womb and continued since the day she was born. Together, with the help of an amazing church youth staff, we have been pouring into this sweet girl for 9 years. She didn’t have a specific date or time that she asked and accepted Jesus – she just always has.
Growing up Catholic, and now believing in the big church as a whole, I knew how she felt. I was baptized as a baby – I never made the decision to be (don’t get me wrong, I am thankful I was)! But Lee, he grew up Baptist, where there was a distinct moment that you were saved – similar to the church that Maylie has grown up in, but different enough to me that I had never pursued it.
Last week, Lee mentioned his concerns, but I kind of shrugged it off. Thanks for taking her, I got it from here. It wasn’t until this week when we returned to class (and Lee asked to join us) that I noticed the confusion in Maylie that Lee had seen.
At the end of the class, we got to share in communion together – the three of us – and then talk about when we adults were saved. Noticeably, Maylie was still timid and not ready to write her testimony. It was then that Lee stepped up and asked if she had ever actually asked Jesus into her heart and accepted Him as her Lord and Savior. Shyly, almost ashamed, she said no. In her defense, she just always thought of Him that way.
It was the next question that lit her up, “Do you want to?” asked Lee. Oh, she was all for it! She just didn’t know the next steps or how to do it! Lee had broken down those walls of her testimony, and she finally felt this belonging feeling of how to experience this big part of why she was being baptized.
That night, together with Miss Pam (who has been an intricate part of her walk with Christ), Lee and I, my sweet girl prayed and asked Jesus to come into her heart as her Lord and Savior.
And guys, I have seen so many accomplishments by this young girl – so many things have made me proud – but nothing has ever made my mama heart as excited, thankful and full of pride than listening to my baby girl ask to be saved.
I don’t have all the answers – and I am certainly not looking for a religious debate – but that night is not one that I will ever forget as a mother and witness to faith. And while I may have made my mistakes as a Mother, I can tell you one thing: I cannot wait to watch my sweet Maylie flourish throughout her life in her journey with Jesus.
Sarah (Pitson) Shrader was born and raised in Lima. She is a Lima Central Catholic and Tiffin University graduate. Sarah is a full-time working mama who enjoys writing about her somewhat crazy, always adventurous life as a mother. She lives in Bath Township with her daughters and writing inspirations, Maylie and Reagan.
