Monday, April 18, 2011

Baptism

So I've had something on my mind grapes* these past few weeks and I wanted to get some feedback from my fellow slices and mentors. I've never been baptized before and it's something I've really always wanted to do. I really can't figure out why I haven't done it before, maybe timing, laziness, or lack of conviction, but in a way I'm really glad I've waited. Many of my friends were baptized in middle school or younger and they hardly remember it. I really feel like I'm at a place in my life where baptism would be really symboloic and meaningful.

That being said, I'm also having some significant hesitations though. The first one is a little bit trivial and I know it doesn't seem like something that is incredibly crucial, but I've always wanted to get baptized in a river. All of my friends were and the church I went to back in Folsom did summer baptisms in the American River. I guess I always just pictured that for myself. But it just seems like such a material or worldly desire. I know tht the significance of baptism goes beyond those things. My main hesitation is that my family wouldn't be there. I went home for my spring break last month, so I can't afford to go back up for this month. Also I don't have anytime off from school. Are those good reasons to wait on something like a baptism? Shouldn't it be solely a personal decision? Why do I feel so hesitant about the lack of community support?

I'm just curious to hear what you guys have to say. I'd really like some advise and prayer on guidance in this matter. Thank you so much for reading everyone!








*high five to anyone who got that reference....

9 comments:

  1. hey so one. I will pray for you about this. : ) two. I totally get the family-community-hesitation bit. I would want my family there too because they raised you in your faith. Baptism is a public testament of who you are and is awesome so at least the people who see you being baptized can hold you accountable in your Christian walk. it isn't bad to wait a little longer. I was in your position... I just never did till a few years ago. so I get where you are at. whatever you decide, I think it's great that you will be able to truly claim your faith in God at an age you will be able to cherish the memory. pray it through with God-- He'll show you. : )

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  2. Bri, I'm also praying for you! Baptism is such an awesome symbol of becoming new creations in Christ and being able to proclaim that to community and to the Body. It is a personal decision but one that allows people to come around you and rejoice with you in your decision. Do you feel that you are being held back by fear or not having the perfect scenario? I would encourage you to lay your hesitations before God. If one of the hesitations is because you feel that you lack community support, I just want you to know that you do have Circles support and I would love to be there with you. :) However, I do understand how you would love to have your family and friends from home to be a part of it. Love you and will continue to pray for you!

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  3. Praying for you, Bri!
    However you decide to pursue it, it's gonna be so awesome!

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  4. Look bri, baptism is a outward symbol of something that has ALREADY HAPPENED inwardly. It's a celebration, just like marriage is the outward ceremony to celebrate a committment that was already made in ones heart. would you get married in conditions that you didn't like, or that didnt make you happy? would you get married in the closest field to your house because you felt like you needed to do it fast, when you've always wanted to get married in a beautiful chapel or on the beach or next to a river*. Bri, in my opion, get baptized in the ambiance that you've always dreamed up. dont run up there on easter sunday because you feel like you HAVE to get baptized. remember, it's only a symbolic ceremony, not an absolute must. I dont think Jesus would make you get baptized somewhere you didnt like. If you want to do it in the American river, and you want your family to be there, because that would make your baptism the most special to you, then wait! and do it in the river! with your family!

    but hey, that's just my opinion :)

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  5. Hey Bri! I totally understand you're hesitations. Prayer is always best. And don't worry about not having any family there if you do it down here...you got your circles family!

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  6. aww bri! i don't think there is anything wrong with waiting. just as zach said, it is a symbol of something that already happened, and of an internal change. celebrating it outwardly can happen whatever way you want. i think feeling obliged to do it right away should not be the spirit of your heart going into it. i concur with zach's thoughts on this, my dear.

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  7. I think because it is a public proclamation of your personal choice to follow God, there is no problem at all in waiting for it to be with the people you value and love. I also think the river thing is great, too. If God leads you to it before a river is around though, of course as you know, go for it! excited for you!

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  8. I think Zach said it well...and there is absolutely nothing wrong with waiting until your family can be witnesses of this public proclamation. I say do whatever your little heart desires and it will be a memorable experience! You are great!! =)

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  9. Amen to all the above. Well done, slices:)

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