My Spiritual Birth

Continuing in my journey with Mommy's Piggy Tales, I am sharing my life at age five this week and then combining my school years.  For many, this year is the year of Kindergarten, but when I was five, Kindergarten wasn't mandatory in my school district. Therefore, my mother kept me at home with her. I would enter my school years at the age of 6, while enjoying age five at home with my mom and sister.

My parents are Christians; therefore, I was raised in the church.  I hold certificates of my promotions out of each year in the nursery, as well as certificates for my participation in Vacation Bible School each year.  My father held the seat of Chairman of the Deacons throughout my life and my mother held other positions open to the women in the church.  VBS was usually the largest event of the year.  My mother was always a worker and believer in this ministry of the church.

With that background, it would be assumed that my sister and I would be in attendance for every church service.  VBS was no exception and an instrument in my spiritual training.  This event holds cherished memories of us loading up the station wagon with neighborhood children and heading to the church.

August of 1966 saw Vacation Bible School finishing off our summer.  I would make a lifetime-altering decision during this VBS.  By the end, I had committed my life to Christ.  Because of my young age, my parents made an appointment with the pastor to make sure he felt confident that I knew what I was doing.

After our visit with the pastor he told my parents he felt sure I knew what I was doing.  I had a clear understanding that I was a sinner, that nothing I could do would get me into heaven and that salvation was a gift that couldn't be earned.  With his reassurance, I was allowed to make the next step by myself.

One Sunday evening, I knew it was time to come before the congregation at the altar call to publicly accept Christ as my Savior and Lord.  I remember it like it was yesterday.  Beside me in the pew was a very tall man, or at least tall to a five-year-old.  I would have to ask him if I could get by him.  Laying my fear aside and with great determination, I asked to pass.  I stepped out into the aisle. The invitational song was being sung... maybe "Just As I Am".  My memory says it was the longest walk you could walk, whereas reality was I was in a very small church.  The long walk ended at the hands of my pastor, who then knelt with me in prayer.

Believing in complete emursion into water for water baptism, I completed my act of obedience weeks later.  I will not forget that either.  I know God sees our hearts and must have smiled when a scared girl went into the water for baptism.  I was so short that when the pastor leaned me back my feet went out from under me and I came back up with a splash!  I am sure the angels giggle at the site, as well as the members of our congregation.

From the moment of my salvation, I would desire to tell the world about Christ.  My parents said that I would share Christ with anyone who would listen.  I remember talking to all the neighborhood children.  My walk with the Lord  and more understanding would grow through the years.  I would always share my beliefs to every friend.  I have never doubted my decision, nor do I remember life without my relationship with Christ.  Jesus would remain my strength through different hills and valleys of life.

So, as I continue with this journey, I will truly be sharing His-story, because He is the author of my life.