Memories
My earliest memory of church on Sunday morning is of one where I gave my heart to God. The inside of the church seemed huge to a six year old and it was filled with wonderful people. There was an excitement in the air, but also a quiet, solemn hint of something I couldn't put my finger on. Too many times had the older women given me the "settle down" look when being overwhelmed by the atmosphere I had clapped in beat with the music. This was a Baptist church, you see, not a dance hall. I couldn't help it, the words and the music of those hymns just carried me away and before I knew it my feet would be moving, my body bouncing, and my hands clapping. Oh what they must have been thinking about this child whose impulsive nature had shown itself many times in church. After all, someone should answer the preacher's questions, right? It's not polite to make him stand there in the silence after asking if we believe the Word of God. He wanted to know and my mother taught me to answer when you are asked a question. This was followed by "would anyone like to give their life to God right now, in this moment" question. Well of course I would. What person wouldn't want this tremendous gift? Come down front? You betcha. How fast can I get there? Just watch me run to the front.
I remember an elderly man handing me a piece of paper and asking me if I could read and write. Of course I can, I can even spell elephant. He assured me that just filling out the form was good enough. After the services my mom came to the front and gave me a big hug. Then a couple of the elders and the preacher were talking with her. They wanted to know if I knew what I was doing, did I understand the scope of it. I explained that I knew Jesus was the son of God, that I was separated from God, and that only Jesus could get me back to God. I guess that was a good enough answer because the next week was my Baptism.
My Baptism was an event in itself. I was very short and the water very deep. In fact, even with giant cinder blocks and me tip-toeing I still barely kept my mouth out of the water. None of that seemed to matter to me though. It was my day! I was wearing a pretty white gown and because I was special (aka the youngest) I was going first. There were about three others behind me. I had to share my special day, but I didn't mind. It was like a party! There was food and cake afterwards. Baptists are always bringing food to an event. Almost every other Sunday had some kind of "event" which meant food. I don't remember too many events during football season though.
texas_born Community Member 
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