Personal Reflections of a Middle-Aged Man

Last week my niece invited me to the Dedication Ceremony for her son, my nephew, Blaze. At first I wasn’t sure if I would be able to make it due to prior commitments. As I looked at what needed to happen, I saw that I would be able to attend, to finally be able to meet and hold Blaze. It was going to be a quick in and out kind of trip however.

I left late afternoon on Saturday so I’d be fresh Sunday morning. Since I was unfamiliar with the location of the church, I left the hotel earlier than I may have needed to, but always better to be early than late. Two very friendly gentlemen greeted me at the door. They did look at me a little oddly, but I understood why. I was a white guy showing up at the door of a mostly, if not all, black church. With everything happening in the world, I too would be a tad bit leery to have a white guy show up at the door.

As soon as I entered and was greeted, I let them know why I was there. When I said my niece’s name, they let me know where I could wait as she hadn’t arrived as yet. As I sat on the couch, I was treated to both some great music as the choral for the service practiced, and feeling a new church atmosphere.

I’ve visited many churches over the years and attended many denominational sermons, but this was my first time where the congregants were not mostly white. It wasn’t the first time being the minority of a crowd, but I always find it takes a minute for my brain to “acclimate” to this new reality. Every time it has happened, I always reflect on how it must feel to be in this type of situation every day.

A little later we were told it was okay to go in and find seats. Shortly thereafter, my niece arrived with Blaze and Blaze’s dad. It was good to see them and to meet Blaze. I wasn’t sure if I’d get to hold him though with the service about to start and many people vying for his attention. When she said I needed to get a picture with him, I was very happy. The funny thing about babies is they often make you happy to be alive, and, they will in-veritably go to the bathroom as you hold them. And that is just what he did! It made me laugh and I was glad to hand him back as my diaper-changing days are past. I got a few more pictures of the family and one that included grandpa.

The ceremony itself was beautiful. It all started with fellowship and prayer. I was a bit startled by the high-tech digital opener, but settled into it quickly. This was followed by several songs that just got your body moving. Many people were up and dancing. My feet were tapping away too. It was all followed by a very moving prayer.

Shortly after the prayer ended, Blaze and his immediate family were called forward. There was a prayer for him and his future. Hopes of a life surrounded by love. He received a Certificate of Dedication with the whole congregation clapping for him.

Unfortunately, as soon as they moved to return to their seats, I had to leave to make the three-hour drive home. The drive was worth it though to be able to be there for her, for Blaze, and the family. I’d do it again in a heartbeat.

Thank you Tif, for inviting me!!