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In Which We Dedicate

Parenting is a huge commitment. Whether you want it not, whether you try or not, it is a lifetime of loving and teaching and influencing the little person who has irreversibly changed you forever.

Today we stood up with our family, before our church, our friends and community of fellow believers, and declared our intentions to raise Madi to love the Lord. It's not a traditional christening or infant baptism. Someday she will have to make that choice to follow the Lord in obedience. It is simply us, celebrating the gift God has given to us, and committing to provide her with a home where she can learn and grow and be loved as God intends for her to be. Our community stands with us and says, we will be with you on this journey. We will love you and your children and we will help when you need it.

Our children will never not know the name of the Lord. They will never not know His love. They will be surrounded by people who Will show them what love looks like, encourage them to follow Christ, and who push them to love dangerously.

We have done this with all three of our children and each time if becomes more and more precious. With Brooklyn, it was our first big experience at Cumberland; a moment that really helped us say, yes, we belong. With Grayson, we were able to have my parents, an integral part of out family life, stand with us. With Madi, we had our family, and Brooklyn was more aware and capable of participating. It was as much a moment of identity for her as it was for Madi.

It was a beautiful moment and I loved sharing it.

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