Baptized

The importance of baptism is widely debated between cultures and even among similar faiths. Now I wouldn't say that I'm overly religious, but I do have a faith and happen to love the symbolism of baptism. Yesterday, my son was baptized and the experience was truly a milestone in my life. At the end of the baptismal service, an acoustic guitar started to strum and the congregation began to sing the song Amazing Grace... I've heard that song countless times throughout my life during weddings, funerals, and movies but this time, I really heard it. As I listened I became overwhelmed with emotion as I looked at my son. I knew deep within my heart that at some point in his life he will feel alone and lost and will need the grace of others to lead him to refuge. Then, the faces of others began to stream through my mind along with the word "grace". The unconditional grace that all of them need or will need at some point and the grace that we must give... The grace that finds. The grace that takes away fears. The grace that never gives up................ Tony

John Newton (1725-1807)
Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound,
That saved a wretch like me.
I once was lost but now am found,Was blind, but now I see.
T'was Grace that taught my heart to fear.
And Grace, my fears relieved.
How precious did that Grace appear
The hour I first believed.