My Baptism: A Step of Obedience, A Wave of Grace

For a long time, I had been thinking about getting baptized. I knew I wanted to, but as a mom of four, I kept telling myself I’d wait for the perfect moment. I pictured all of us—my whole family—being baptized together someday when the timing was just right. But something always came up. Weekends with their dad, busy schedules, stress, life. And so, I kept waiting.

Then I saw a post from my church about the Waves of Grace baptism celebration, and it stopped me in my tracks. I asked myself, “What am I doing? Why am I waiting?” This is between me and Jesus! It doesn’t matter who’s there, what the timing looks like, or whether everything is perfectly aligned. It doesn’t have to be perfect—because HE is perfect.

So I took the step. I filled out the application, watched the baptism video, and shared my testimony. I met with a lovely woman from the women’s ministry team at the cutest coffee shop. We talked about my story—my childhood, my past, my journey to Christ. I felt so seen, and so connected. I left that meeting feeling relieved, excited, and deeply grateful to have crossed paths with someone who radiated so much joy and kindness.

The truth is, our family is currently walking through some difficult things—things I may choose to share in more detail later. But even in the middle of all that, I felt total peace with my decision to publicly declare my commitment to the Father. I told a few close friends and family members, and by the grace of God, all four of my children and my husband were able to be there with me. That was something I didn’t think would be possible. (My two oldest are usually with their dad on weekends, and coordinating around custody has always made timing tricky.)

The morning of the baptism, we attended our regular Sunday service. We’re currently going through the book of Galatians, and the message that day hit straight to my heart:

“There is no freedom in Christ unless you are submitted to Christ. And your identity in Christ is received, not achieved.”

That truth rocked me. I’ve spent so much of my life trying to achieve worthiness. But it’s not about what I do—it’s about what He has already done. I’ve made my commitment to Him, and I will continue to make that commitment every day. I want my children to see Jesus in me—not just through my words, but through my love, my service, and my actions.

Later that afternoon, we headed to the main campus for the big celebration. Naturally, the kids were crabby and hungry—life with four littles is never short of chaos—but our excitement was bigger than the stress. When we arrived, the church welcomed us with thoughtful touches: a t-shirt, a Bible, and a baptism certificate. So sweet. The space was full of people, joy, and music. We worshipped, heard a few testimonies, and then it was time.

They called us down to be baptized, and my heart raced. I felt a little anxious. Would God speak to me? Would it feel like some dramatic, slow-motion scene where I’m sobbing underwater? Honestly? No. It wasn’t a cinematic moment—but it was holy.

My kids and my husband came right to the front, cheering me on, full of excitement. As I stepped into the tub, everything went still. The preacher looked me in the eyes and asked if I was ready to submit my life to Jesus and live in obedience to Him.

Yes.

He said a few more words—I can’t remember them now. All I could feel was the Spirit, still and sure, as he lowered me into the water. And when I came back up, I heard cheering again. I felt peace. Deep, soul-level peace.

It wasn’t about the theatrics. It was about the submission. The public declaration. The quiet, unshakable yes to God’s will and not my own.

Afterward, I dried off, changed clothes, and we enjoyed some seriously delicious food. The kids played on the beautiful new church playground. And even this morning, as I sit here writing, I still feel that peace.

I know hard days will come. I know I’ll make mistakes. But I also know that I am forgiven, loved, and held—because of what Jesus did for me. My life without Jesus was empty, cold, and confusing. But now, even in trials, my life has purpose. It has mercy. It has grace.

And I will keep choosing Him, day by day.