(for Susan Daniels)
I can still visualize today:
In the back of the altar of the church, hung a dark-colored curtain
I was always curious what was there behind that thick partition
On one Sunday, after a regular service, the preacher announced
A baptismal service, and I somehow knew my curiosity would then be satisfied
Ceremoniously, the curtain was swung open and a receptacle filled with water appeared
A young man was being led by another church member into the water
He was made stand looking sideway while the preacher was saying something
The preacher placed his right hand on the back of his neck
Then I saw the preacher push the man down wholly into the water
Such a solemn look of the preacher, the young man, other attendants
The whole thing looked like a kids’ play and I had to do my best to suppress my laugh
During some years of my stay in the American culture when I was young
I was too busy memorizing as many English words possible and all that
To take a serious look at things like the ceremonies of the weekly church goers
But decades afterwards now, I find myself taking a second look at those
And beginning to notice something vital in them to human life
The baptism is one of them
In Baptist or Methodist or whatever, baptism should be the most important in one’s life
After being born, it must be done to satisfy the need of being “born again”.
It should be a turning point for one to start a true awakened life
Sad that baptism is performed so casually nowadays as a matter of formality
But some people realize its true meaning, and she is apparently one of them
This is why she could go over her fear of being submerged in the water
My admiration and respect from the depth of my heart to her
For taking such a courageous, brave decision
Give my warmest love to her for me
AshiAkira's Blog 
Wow, this is beautifully well said! Sending you a hug through the ether! Yes–her faith overcoming fear was such a beautiful experience to me–I was so honored to share it with her. I have to reblog this, it speaks to me so strongly!
Wow! This depiction of this beautiful ordinance has touched my heart~ absolutely wonderful in its rich imagery! ~Deb
Thank you for such a kind comment. I’m honored.
Beautiful! You capture the wonder at the baptism by immersion so well!
Thank you for reading my poem. I feel highly honored.
what is …and what isn’t… lovely
In the church I attend, there isn’t a sad nor dry eye in the audience during a baptism. When the minister brings the new soul up from the water, often we applaud and a few may say “Amen!” Some even snap a picture with their cell phones.
If the angels in heaven rejoice over one being saved, why not those in the church? A great post, thanks for sharing a most important thought.
Clayton
I was baptized when I was 9. Then I decided I would be baptized again at 74. I didn’t experience anything different than when I was younger. I worried about my motives at the earlier time. I shouldn’t have doubted my surrender to God’s plan for my life and his great gift of his son for the absolution of my sin and of eternity spent in heaven.
A beautiful testimony.
You have a very sensitive heart, your words are very pleasant. I have had the honour of baptising many people in Uganda in Lake Victoria which is the beginning of the Nile River. Thanks for writing the way you do.
Thank you for reading my poem and for the kind comment.