The questions of a child about salvation, hope, pain, reality, angels, demons, Heaven & Hell are always full of great desire and honest truths. Over the past year, Georgia Ruth has asked every question from the depths of true theology and the basics of the ability for angels to sing. Since before Georgia was even thought of, she was prayed for. Before her heart beat for the first time, she was prayed for. From the hearts of the grandmothers that came before her, to the adopted grandmothers of the faith, to the desperate heart of a man and woman trying to conceive. She has been prayed for.

My prayer from the time the Lord started her heart in my womb, our prayer was that we would raise her the way He wanted us to. The challenge of raising a daughter to love above all, to walk in step with the Lord and not become religious at the same time. The target of teaching that people are flawed and humbly walking in transparency in front of her to guide, coach, discipline and love immensely. The balance of teaching how to serve at home, serve across the street and serve abroad.

The testimony and ministry has begun.

In one of the most amazing ways, with her father hiking a trail on March 20, 2021, my daughter decided to follow Jesus Christ. And on this day, Palm Sunday, she showed the world her decision through baptism.

One of the two you have charged us with are redeemed. And now the greater battle begins. The battle for her joy, her peace, her passion and her mission. The battle for her purity and purpose. And her father and I will continue to stand guard, increase the armor and teach her to fight. And we will not be shaken. Our arrows will fly straight by the power of Your Presence and the grace you pour out each day.

This week the inner story and struggle in my own heart began – who is the Jesus that I want her to follow? What is the true example and genuine Christ that I have shown her? Do I want her to follow the Christ that looks busy and exhausted and short tempered? Do I want her to follow the one that surrenders every ounce of themselves to the Maker of Heaven and Earth? Do I want her to be so consumed with the church machine that she misses the power of intimacy with the Lover of her soul? Do I want her to follow without question or ask a million along the way in the truest sense of inquisition? Do I want her hope and faith to be found from mine or on it’s own two tiny feet?

This blessing you have given me will learn it is not unchristian to be real. It will not harm the name of Christ by sharing struggles and pain. This child named after generations of Christ followers longing to serve and worship. This child named secondly after the one who was loyal, faithful and awaiting her kinsman redeemer. May she learn to not put confidence in the flesh. May she learn that there is no condemnation for those in Christ Jesus. May she ask the difficult questions and face days of suffering with peace. May she press on in hostile pursuit after moments with the Father in her secret place. May she arise and those all around call her bless.

Today, this day, may she learn to be still and know that He is God, so that He will make His Name known among the nations. May today be the first days of her freedom journey.