Christian Living

Knowing Father

by Anne O'Donnell
06/13/21
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As a Christian for thirty-nine years, I have witnessed well over 50-75 baby dedications. Praying over the life of innocent and helpless children reminds me that I have a role to play in their future simply by the fervency of my faith to believe God will protect their hearts and eventually usher them into His kingdom. What an honor, and how sobering to think of what this generation is up against, as hell has unleashed all its demons to capture their minds in an attempt to control their hearts.

Today our family participated in two baby dedications, and one of the babies did NOT like being held in the arms of the loving pastor. This kind man was a threat to her security and she wailed in distress the entire duration of the prayer time. Once the baby got returned into the arms of her familiar parents, she quieted immediately.

My memories took me back thirty-seven years ago when my firstborn could not withstand my absence, and fretted to the point of losing her breath when held by a babysitter or other “stranger”. Michelle did not like mom out of eyesight, which meant others were at a loss to console her when I was gone.

One day I returned home from an appointment and could hear my baby crying. Stepping into the house, I saw that the babysitter was holding Michelle up close over her shoulder, preventing her from noticing I had entered the house. Slowly and tenderly, the babysitter placed her in my arms while Michelle was still could not see it was me. She stopped crying instantly without having seen my face, hearing my voice, or recognizing my presence. How did the baby know it was me and not another stranger? How did she so quickly sense the feel of my arms, my breathing, my voice, and my comfort? For a baby, it is not difficult to discern.

God calls us His children for a reason. How we mimic the cries of earthly children when apart from the assurance of our Father! And how comforted we are when in His presence, hearing His voice, and guided by His words.

“Lord, I seek to know your presence and to find that when I remain close to you, I am safe from all threats. As you release me into the world to carry out the calling you have placed in my life, give me the wisdom and courage to accomplish what you have prepared in advance for me. Thank you Jesus, for loving me so much that you died for me and gave me the Holy Spirit as a way to continually remain in fellowship and communion with you. Without you I am nothing. Amen.”