This was written specifically for Grayson, so I wanted to include it in the blog. This will serve as a reminder to the promise we have made, as well as a reminder to Gray one day for just how truly loved he is.
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Steven and Kelly want to engage in an old Christian tradition of dedicating their son to God.
Matthew 19 says, “One day some parents brought their children to Jesus so he could lay his hands on them and pray for them. But the disciples scolded the parents for bothering Jesus. But Jesus said, ‘Let the little children come to me. Don’t stop them! For the Kingdom of Heaven belongs to those who are like these children.’ And he placed his hands on their heads and blessed them before he left.”
Steven and Kelly by presenting this child for dedication today, you are testifying to two things: first, your own faith in Jesus the Christ and, second, your desire that Grayson will understand from the earliest beginnings what it means to walk in the way of Jesus and to entrust his life to God. This is a sign of your prayer that Grayson will live and live again as a Christian.
To move toward this beautiful goal, you pledge as parents that, with God’s fatherly help, you will bring up your children in the discipline and instruction of the Lord, making every reasonable effort, with patience and love, to build the Word of God, the character of Christ and the joy of the Lord into their lives? You must guide Grayson’s education so that he can become a blessing to the world.
But above all these, you have two fundamental responsibilities.
First, you are to set an example for Grayson. What you do will forever shape Grayson more fully than what you say, so live well – with humility, gentleness, and service.
Second, your deepest and fullest responsibility is to love him passionately and faithfully because if he clearly feels your love for him, then it will be so much easier for him to feel God’s love for him.
Will you commit your life to fulfilling all these duties toward Grayson with the help of God?
Parents: We will.
No one is a Christian alone. No one can be a Christian alone. No one raises a child to be a Christian alone. We are in this together. We need each other. Steven and Kelly believe the old saying it takes a village, so now I turn to you, friends and family of Grayson.
This is your child! Grayson is your child also. We share the responsibilities of helping Grayson to understand the ways of God and to learn to live like Jesus. We share the dual responsibilities of example and love to Grayson and to all of our children.
So now, I have a question for you.
Will you commit yourselves to lead by example, of a life full of love and compassion? Will you love them and support them? Will you serve them as teachers and helpers and playmates? Will you support Steven and Kelly in the difficult journey of parenting Grayson toward Christ?
People: We will.
We want to finish this dedication process by sharing a blessing and praying for him. I invite those that wish to whisper a blessing to Grayson to come up at this time.
