The Day Bonnie Was Almost Baptized
Sunday was a big day. Bonnie was going to be baptized.
We were all getting ready for the day...Bonnie was so excited about finally being baptized, and we were ready for her to.
I had my camera ready to capture the baptism, and when she came out, I expected all to go well. Only it didn't...
You may think by looking at this picture that Bonnie was baptized:
Only this picture was taken a split second before she decided the pastor was going to drown her. She jumped up and looked terrified. The pastor tried again. She almost went down, then jumped up when her ears touched the water.
I went back to the baptistry to see if I could convince her to go ahead and do it, but she was too scared.
I felt for her, but I was also a bit embarrassed. I know people were wondering why my girl was so terrified of the water....I don't know why...she takes a bath or shower every day. There is no reason for her to be scared of the water. I guess submerging is different..maybe she didn't trust the pastor?
I don't know if any other child has ever done this, but I have got to get her over this fear of water that she seems to have. How can I do that?
We were all getting ready for the day...Bonnie was so excited about finally being baptized, and we were ready for her to.
I had my camera ready to capture the baptism, and when she came out, I expected all to go well. Only it didn't...
You may think by looking at this picture that Bonnie was baptized:
Only this picture was taken a split second before she decided the pastor was going to drown her. She jumped up and looked terrified. The pastor tried again. She almost went down, then jumped up when her ears touched the water.
I went back to the baptistry to see if I could convince her to go ahead and do it, but she was too scared.
I felt for her, but I was also a bit embarrassed. I know people were wondering why my girl was so terrified of the water....I don't know why...she takes a bath or shower every day. There is no reason for her to be scared of the water. I guess submerging is different..maybe she didn't trust the pastor?
I don't know if any other child has ever done this, but I have got to get her over this fear of water that she seems to have. How can I do that?
May I welcome Bonnie to the circle of Believers? My daughter who is 7 has also been asking about baptism but while not afraid of water she is afraid of submersion. I told her that she can still be Saved by asking Jesus into her heart and when she feels ready she can then be baptized. It doesn't have to happen all at once for everyone, the Spirit will lead. When she is ready, Bonnie and my daughter, they will know it.
God bless,
Sarah
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Sarah, that makes me feel so much better, knowing that Bonnie is not the only one afraid of submersion. I'm afraid it is my fault because I have never made her stick her head in the water for any reason...but I have never needed to? I agree with you, she can wait till she's ready. I just thought she was because she was so excited about being baptized last week. (She was saved a couple of weeks ago). Maybe after a while they'll both be ready. Until then, at least they have Jesus! Thanks again, Sarah...that really helped!
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It could be a trust issue, and it can be she never held her head under water.
It's ok... and one day she will be ready! She won't go to H#ll if she isn't baptized.
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Good morning Bethany!
I completely agree with Sarah above. When it is time, Bonnie will know. However, one thing you could ask her is if she would like to practice with you. In the bath tub or whatever. I definitely feel for her. I do not have a fear of water, but a fear of drowning. Which makes no sense, believe me. However, I think I would understand the fear of submersion.
Have a great day!
Autumn
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Thanks so much, Autumn! You girls are so supportive and understanding.
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I have to agree with both ladies! When my kids were in swim lessons last year, we had to get the used to putting their face in the tub water. It took them a couple of weeks to get used to it, but it worked. Especially when they figured out that things sound funny when you hear them underwater.
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Aww...poor Bonnie! It can be a very scary thing for some people, the thought of being immersed in water. I agree with what someone else said...down the road, when she is ready, she might be able to get through it okay.
What about being baptized without being immersed? Some pastors (not all) will do that. I know a couple that didn't get baptized until they were in their late 70's because it took that long for a pastor to offer to baptize them by sprinkling them with water. Maybe Bonnie could do that, and then down the road maybe she would feel comfortable with baptism by immersion?
I know there are varying opinions about how baptism should be done, so please don't take offense to the suggestion. :0) I just would hate to see her not have the opportunity to be baptized because she has a fear of the water.
Great news though that she has accepted Jesus! That's the main thing...it's always wonderful to have another sister (or brother) join the Family!
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Bonnie will eventually get the courage. It is all baby steps. Your getting some great advice on here. We will pray for Bonnie to overcome her fear. And don't worry about what people think. We all have fears, we just don't face them in front of a whole congregation of faces. I am sure your church family was just as encouraging.
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We haven't had to deal with this as our 6 year old just recently accepted the Lord, but I have always been worried about it. I am glad you shared about this. Poor thing, I agree I wouldn't push it at all. But it sure couldn't hurt to encourage her to practice going under water. I think I will try this with my boys. (-:
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bethany
When I was baptized as a young ADULT 23yo.I had a hard time. I didn't 'willingly' bend my knees. The Pastor had to try twice and say under his breath "BEND" I guess it was the trust factor and nerves. So I can only imagine what it is like for a child that has some hidden fear. I certainly didn't mean to react that way. I am sure she didn't either. And yes it was embarrassing. It sent a ripple of laughter through the congregation!
You know the "Not sure you're dead to sin?" type of comments.
Maybe she can try again when she is ready. She'll probably tell you...
We are currently with out a church so... I guess we are waiting for that to change and for our children to be showing readiness. I am sure when the time comes we'll get some surprise responses too!
Jacinda
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Would it be against your belief for a close relative (i.e. her dad) to baptize her? This would be a wonderful moment to share and also give her confidence by being with someone she already trusts in her heart.
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Of course I am not speaking for Bethany but I was thinking the same thing and thought I'd chime in that we are considering that for our 'solution.'
Jacinda
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I leave that up to my children. When they learn what it is and they can decide when. They decided it would be this summer.
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My mom sent me off to swimming lessons when I was 6. I had such a hard time not sinking before that, LOL. I'm surprised Bonnie's never been swimming before. Perhaps submerging in the tub like the others say, or even swimming lessons to get her acquainted and comfortable with water.
Then again, I would completely understand if it was just the fact that some grown man she barely knows was dunking her head under water. That would freak me out too. :p
No need to be embarassed, Bethany. I think most people wouldn't think it was weird. They would just be concerned about Bonnie being comfortable. Give her a hug for me!
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I saw someone else suggested having a loved one perform the baptism. My suggestion is similar. Have you considered having you and your husband stand with them on each end in the baptismal pool? I have seen this done and it was simply beautiful! The wonderful thing is that Jesus already knows her fear and will love her through it!
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Lots of practice at the swimming pool works for our kids.
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Thanks so much for all of your suggestions. I really appreciate it. Really, I do.
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I was going to suggest James do it, but another lady already did!
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Hi Bethany!
I'm sorry the baptism did not go as planned. I've actually never been to a full immersion Baptism. Maybe early Christians experienced this one too many times (jumping up in fear) .... hence the sprinkling of water that is Catholic Baptism.
I loved your photos of the outdoors, flowers, etc. on another post. I have a magnolia in my yard which blooms only for 3 or four days before the petals all fall. The tree is not very hardy up north where I am so I am lucky it blooms at all. It's on the south side of my house so it's protected from the harsh north winter winds. It certainly is pretty and fun to photograph. Do the flowers last longer on the magnolia down south?
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