Walk

The sand was coveting every step, not wanting to release the weight it bore. As we moved along, the water rushed to our aid, making movement easier, only if you didn’t linger there. My mom walked silently beside me, taking in the view as I waited for the courage to bubble up inside and release the words that needed to be said.

One month after my birth, my sisters and mother gathered around as the Reverend sprinkled water on my head. He held me with one hand over the baptismal font in that small country church. Did it run into my eyes? Did I cry? Was everyone happy? I don’t remember, but Mom does. That’s why I have to tell her what I did; a few months ago, I chose to get baptized in the ocean. My sisters weren’t there, my mom wasn’t there, my husband and children weren’t there, but my neighbor and pastor were, and each held a hand.

The waves were hurrying into the shore like it knew what I was getting ready to do and was also excited, knocking me over. I was held steady. Upon confession of my repentance and forgiveness of sins, I was baptized in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. That intimate moment lingers; I breathe it in again…after being washed by the waves, baptized, the newness and joy could not be contained nor ever taken. Christ had pursued me, and I said yes. It was time to tell her. It didn’t matter if she would be disappointed; it had to be my own decision this time. Would she trust my choice? Time will tell. Her walk slowed, head down, and with attention pondered my telling. She bent over in the sand, picking up a full-sized clamshell that had been engraved with a smiley face. She held the shell in her hands, blew off the excess, and smiled at me. To her, this was God’s way of saying it’s okay, and just like that, it was.

Much time has passed, and the busyness of life envelops me like a cloak. I sit at a table during a women’s conference, and the gift I chose sits in front of me wrapped in red confetti paper garnished with turquoise curled ribbon tied neatly on top to hold the sealed letter and the contents of the package. “Cut the ribbon,” the speaker said, and all the women did so with much enthusiasm. “Now, open your sealed letters and read them.”

Everyone around me hurried through and shared with each other. Mine took my breath away, I dilly-dallied, my eyes welled. Even though my busyness kept me moving, inside the deepest recesses of my heart, I was not.

This letter stirred up what lay still. The heart art that was once covered in red confetti was in my hands. A woman was walking alone along the beach. The walk I had with my mom on the beach surfaced, and then all I could think of was how she left over 4 years ago and I can’t see her again, not on this earth.

Over these seasons, the Gardener knew not to cut too quickly, causing irreparable damage; weeds of anger and bitterness were pulled up by the roots time and again. This was the final weed. The word painted on my heart said walk. In the distance, laughter, waves, and music are being carried by the wind, bringing me back to the table. I focus my attention again on the speaker while pondering…it’s time to walk, I was never alone. I am reminded of who I am. I am reminded of who my mother is. I am reminded of who Christ is.

Baptism. Water in itself can do so many things: it replenishes the soul, the body, the earth, and it can mean so many things. The forerunner of Christ used the Jordan River to baptize repentant hearts for the forgiveness of sins. You can read all about it in the four gospels. Christ had no sins yet was baptized not for himself but for us, he knew all along it would be part of the great commission he’d bestow upon his followers later.

During his ministry, he walked everywhere, never aimlessly. He told his disciples to follow him, and in doing so, they walked. No matter the season, be encouraged, you are not alone, its’ ok now to get up and walk.

Resource:
South Carolina Christian Women’s Conference. (2025, March). Walk. https://sccwc.info/

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(SCCWC, 2025).

 

 

Resource:
South Carolina Christian Women’s Conference. (2025, March). Walk. https://sccwc.info/