I’M EMBARASSED! I’M SHOCKED! I’M SO ANGRY! I’M ANNOYED!
I wrote this blog 2 months ago but debated on whether to post it but it’s something that has been on my mind for some time. I know it’s 2 months late but here it is…
————–
Today, I went to church here in Pretoria, South Africa. It’s my third time attending this church and I look forward to attending every Sunday because the spirit is evident.
I get excited when I’m walking down the street and can hear the choir from the two streets away singing His praises. The choir often sings American gospel songs in Afrikaans but the musical melodies are the same so I recognize every song. Ever heard Marvin Sapp sung in Afrikaans? It’s awesome!
It’s an amazing feeling to be so far from home but still feel like you’re still at home.
Normally, I feel excited to dive deeper into the message when I leave church.
But not this service.
I felt a range of emotions during this service.
I went from anticipation to happy tears.
And from happy tears to feeling burdened, frustrated, and angry.
It was the 4th Sunday so it was the service for baby dedications. And I can’t speak for everyone but I don’t think there are too many things in this world that are more beautiful than baby dedications.
(MY ANTICIPATION)
The parents put their kids in their ‘Sunday best.’ Often the little girls have their white dresses on with the little white bonnet…you can’t tell me that’s not precious.
But the most exciting part for me is when the father lifts the baby up to Jesus signifying that the baby is His. (MY HAPPPY TEARS)
Scripture says in Proverbs 22: 6, “Train a child in the way he should go and when he is old he will not turn from it.”
And I think the baby dedication is the BEST starting point anyone can be given.
However, this baby dedication made me angry.
Let me tell you why.
The pastor asked the families that were dedicating babies to come into the pulpit. Five women with babies in their arms congregated behind the pastor in the pulpit.
The pastor asks the extended family (aunts, uncles, cousins, etc.) to come to the front of the church as support for the family. A few people approach.
The pastor asks the fathers to come into the pulpit and no one approaches.
After an awkward silence, the pastor says “you don’t have to be married. As humans, we always have things to work on but you’re STILL a father even if you’re not married. So will the fathers please come to the pulpit.”
One man comes to the pulpit. (ANGER/FRUSTRATION)
Men, this isn’t a blog to bash you but WE HAVE TO STEP UP!
I’m not a father yet and I can’t promise that I’ll be at EVERY volleyball game, basketball game, and band concert (although I will try) but there is one place that I can guarantee I will be for my children…and it’s at their dedication.
The father needs to be there!!! Women can do a lot (most times even better than men) but one thing a woman can’t do is show a father’s unconditional love. And until the baby sees a father’s unconditional love, the child won’t understand the Father’s unconditional love. (Did you catch that?)
Men…look into those eyes. They are depending on you!
