So this last year Enrique and I have had lengthy discussions about our children's baptisms. Mattie was baptized before Enrique converted to Catholicism, so the question of her baptism was already settled. But we still had questions about our other three children and their baptisms. After lots of conversation and prayer, we decided our two older children would remain Protestant like me, due to being surrounded by the Protestant church ministry their entire lives and expressing a desire to stay there. We also decided our two youngest girls would be baptized Catholic and attend catechism due to the fact that Enrique is now a devote Catholic and embraces the Catholic Church in the deepest places of his heart. I am very aware that this decision raises some eyebrows, and many people wonder how our family can be at peace. I was recently asked how we avoid confusion. It would be dishonest to say it's easy. It would be dishonest to say that we have handled everything graciously. I have let fear and hurt take over at times in this journey. But pretty early in this journey we realized having our children grow up watching us argue over ideas about God doesn't help them learn the love of God. It actually hurts their faith. So we've simply had to accept we don't agree, but we can still honor each other. In this process I have come to love the Catholic church and it's people. I have also been greatly touched by the Christians who have continued to love us and support us despite seeing things they don't understand. Our children are being taught that Jesus is their savior and that love overcomes everything. Our children are being taught that even though their parents don't always see eye to eye, they can walk hand in hand. Our family attends both a Mass and an Assembly of God service on Sunday. We gather together at the feet of Jesus and love him despite the differences in tradition. As a family we are building new traditions as we continue to pray together. So today our sweet Zechariah decided to publicly announce his faith in Jesus Christ. Next week our little Zoe and baby Gabriella will be baptized in the Catholic Church. Enrique and I are celebrating both events, because Jesus is receiving all the glory. Ultimately it is about him. It is about looking past the misunderstandings and the fear, and letting God pour out his healing upon us. Also my prayer is that it is also about you. I pray
our vulnerable journey may help you not let fear and differences keep you from the free and beautiful grace of Christ.
My prayer is you will be able to come as you are to the feet of Jesus.
