Raise Them Up

EB's Grandparents: The Godseys (left) and the Maslins (right)

Before Ella Brooks joined Team Maslin, Chris and I would often be moved by baptisms during church services. We love watching our pastor, Richard, hold the precious babies and walk them up and down the aisle. While he does so, he shares the importance of the covenant family and the role that the congregation plays alongside the immediate family of that infant. He reminds us that without Christ, we, much like the baby he holds, are unable to save ourselves or to do anything on our own. It is with God's grace and mercy through the resurrection of Jesus and the movement of the Holy Spirit that we are raised up and made alive. His illustrations are beautiful and touching.

Once we found out we were pregnant, these baptisms became emotional events for the both of us. Chris held it in better, but the lumps in my throat soon became tears in my eyes. I listened intently to the promises of God to His children. I envisioned the day our little one would be blessed by this gracious and loving act.

The day finally arrived. A beautiful Father's Day gift for Chris, Ella Brooks was baptized yesterday at our church, Montreat Presbyterian. Chris handed EB over to Richard and we walked onto the stage while he carried her for her walk down the aisle- a beautiful picture of the mercy and sovereignty of God. She was surrouned by her covenant family. We were able to see our brothers and sisters watch her, smile at her, and pray for her. Chris held her as Richard charged us as her parents to bring her up in the way of Christ. As Richard baptized her, marking her as a covenant child just as circumcision marked Israel's baby boys, my lumpy throat became teary eyes and I nearly lost control. Is there anything more beautiful than a beloved little one being brought into covenant with the Lord? Is there anything more moving?

We were wrecks immediately afteward. It took a long time before the lump washed out of my throat. We were honored to have both sets of grandparents present for this occasion.

Family, baptism, the grace and mercy of God through His son, Jesus Christ. I feel that lump coming back. We are blessed beyond comprehension.




Beth, Chris, Richard and Ella Brooks