Doubly Blessed

When Cooper was about two weeks old, Todd Miller and the elders at Downtown called our family to the front and they prayed over us. They prayed for our son's physical, emotional and spiritual well-being, prayed that Jimmy and I would be God-centered parents for him, that Abigail would be a good sister, and that our church family there would be a source of strength, encouragement and love for him. Cooper was the first baby at Downtown to be displayed on the huge screen and when his picture was shown, and we loved hearing the "Awwww..."

He'll be doubly blessed, because each year our church family here in Ashland has a Parent Dedication where they pray for the families of children born in the past year. Even though Cooper exceeds the 12 month guidelines, they have asked us to be a part of that day. We are honored and would never turn down prayers for our son and our family.

It's funny, though. When I was pregnant with Abigail, I was wishing we could do something similar. When I went to the Highland Church of Christ in Abilene, TX, I watched and listened and got teary when they had baby blessings and looked forward to the same moment for my kids. Jimmy and I took the idea to the elders and they thought it was a good one. So Abigail was one of the first babies dedicated by the church here in Ashland. It's nice to have them both prayed for and loved by both church families.

And yet, there are people who don't think such actions - baby blessings or parent dedications or whatever you call them - are scriptural. Just like so many people are overly cautious about any new practice. Why are so many opposed to seeking out new ways to honor God, to praise and worship His name and to seek his wisdom and counsel in our lives? It's sad to see them look at an opportunity to praise God for life and to ask for His guidance and think, "No where in the Bible does it say to do this." The entire Word screams that we should. In everything we do. In every moment we are alive.