How To Plan A [Baby] Dedication?

No one can plan a party like my SIL Erin!! She can whip up a batch of home made cookies or peanut butter pie before I can pre-heat the oven! She has the gift of hostess with the mostess! This weekend, we headed to Siloam Springs, Arkansas for my niece, Annie’s dedication service and celebration! My brother, Mike and his family drove down from Texas, so it was a mini-reunion. We headed to the church early, so I could save three rows up in front (that was not easy). Annie was dressed up like a princess and the anticipation in her precious face made me giddy! Zoie kept repeating, “Is it time for kid’s class with Annie?” loud enough for the entire congregation to answer, “Not yet!”

I sat in the front row with my camera ready to roll. Annie came out with her family and my throat closed up. The church lights dimmed and the special slide show started with each child being dedicated in order. When my brother’s voice came over the loudspeaker, my [already closed] throat surrendered to the tears. I took a few photos, but couldn’t take my eyes off beautiful Annie. My three year old niece HOME from China almost a year. This was the angel we prayed fervently for over two years, now up in her daddy’s arms being dedicated to the Lord.

Erin and I remind each other (almost daily) how in the world did we end up with toddlers together at 40! God had such a special plan mapped out for our family. It’s impossible to imagine what life would be like without our two adopted daughters, Zoie and Annie.

What Is Baby (Child) Dedication?

“Christian parents who dedicate a child are making a promise to the Lord to do everything within their power to raise the child in a godly way, prayerfully until he or she can make a decision on his or her own to follow God. Parents who make this vow of commitment are instructed to raise the child in the ways of God, and not according to their own ways. Some of the responsibilities include teaching and training the child in God’s Word, demonstrating an example of godliness, disciplining according to God’s ways, and praying earnestly for the child.” (Mary Fairchild)

And she (Hannah) made a vow, saying, “O LORD Almighty, if you will only look upon your servant’s misery and remember me, and not forget your servant but give her a son, then I will give him to the LORD for all the days of his life, and no razor will ever be used on his head.” 1 Samuel 1:11

When God answered Hannah’s prayer by giving her a son, she remembered her vow:

“As surely as you live, my lord, I am the woman who stood here beside you praying to the LORD. I prayed for this child, and the LORD has granted me what I asked of him. So now I give him to the LORD. For his whole life he will be given over to the LORD.” And he worshiped the LORD there. 1 Samuel 1:26-28

Roger and I have not “formally” dedicated Zoie yet, but for a very special reason. We are praying for the opportunity to take Zoie (soon) back to Ethiopia and have Pastor Anteneh Ayalew of Great Hope Church in Korah dedicate our daughter in her birthplace. Zoie was born in a trash dump community and we are committed to honoring her heritage, her country, and her Korah family.

Do you have a special “dedication” story to share with me?