Standing Up for Bryant

Bryant asked in December if he could get baptized. We were a little surprised because this was not something that either Caleb or I had ever approached him about. We really wanted that to be his own decision and not something that we suggested or encouraged. We felt, especially at such a young age, it needed to be his very own desire and decision. He recently came to that decision and we were so thrilled that he did. One of the children in our small group was recently baptized and when Bry heard about it, he wanted to take that next step in his faith too.

The pastor asked all friends and family to stand in support of Bryant. I stood with others who love our boy and watched him from the congregation. I couldn't hold back the tears. He looked so small and young up there. Eight people were baptized in all on Sunday. At Riverbluff, the one getting baptized dips their finger into salt and then tastes it. Then the pastor says something like "just like that salt created a change in your mouth that you can't ignore, so will you make a change in the world." He also said, "Do you like salt on your french fries?"....."Well just like salt makes french fries taste better, you're going to make the world a better place." Then he lit a candle and sent Bryant out with the candle and told him he was the light of the world and told him to not let anyone put his light under a basket.

I know as Bryant grows, he will understand this decision more and more over the years. I truly believe though, that Bryant understands his commitment to follow Christ and live his life in a way that honors God, as much as a 7 year old boy can. It is something he genuinely desires and that to me is very humbling as a parent.

Thanks to all of you who stood up for Bryant on Sunday. Thanks also, to the many people who weren't there on Sunday because you live all over the U.S. but have stood up for him countless times in prayer. Please continue to lift Bryant up in prayer as he continues on his young walk of faith. Our hope for him (and his sisters) is that he will love the Lord with all his heart, mind, soul and strength and that he would love his neighbor as himself. We pray that God would unfold great plans for his life and use him in a mighty way.

Feel free to leave a comment for Bryant and we will be sure he sees them.