As a young girl, Bailey began her Christian instruction at 3 years old when she attended Vacation Bible School. When we moved to Mount Pleasant, she attended Sunday School and Wednesday night classes called ARK. She began "official" confirmation instruction in 5th grade and that continued through 8th grade. The culmination of this education was made public at a church service on May 8th where she proclaimed her Christian faith as it is taught through Lutheran instruction. Her poise and confidence when answering questions from the pastor was so wonderful to watch. The response to her final question 'Why do you love Jesus' was one of the proudest moments of my life.
When our pastor sent me Bailey's confirmation verse (above), I knew the Holy Spirit was working through him. The past 3 years have been some of the hardest for Bailey, personally. As a mother, they've challenged me as well. However the silver lining through all the heartache is that Bailey has been drawn closer to the Lord when times get hard. She knows she can always call on the Lord in prayer and he will answer. She knows she can go to her Bible for comfort and the words will ease her hurting heart. Our human nature is to try to fix a problem or "wish" the problem away. As a mother, I too want to take this hurt away because seeing your child hurt is almost worse than any pain I have to endure. But when we "Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you. He will never let the righeous be shaken'.
The Lord has blessed Bailey's and my life and he did it once again on May 15th. We were surrounded by family and friends who witnessed Bailey's confirmation and joined us in celebrating afterwards. My heart was bursting with love and pride. It is a day I will remember forever. Praise God from whom all blessings flow!
