Amazing Grace

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.

Through many dangers, toils and snares

I have already come;

'Tis Grace that brought me safe thus far

and Grace will lead me home.

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.

Meet my dad, Rowan.

This is going to be a hard post for me because all of my emotions are not only at the surface, but bubbling over and dancing.  Yes, bubbling AND dancing.  :O)

I had the amazing opportunity to watch my dad re-commit himself to The Church and start his life over.  Last Saturday, September 25th, my dad was re-baptized.  I can't even begin to describe how wonderful it was to witness that precious moment in his life.  He has made some really, really, REALLY stupid choices in his life.  Choices that have caused a lot of pain, grief, anger, broken hearts, broken homes, and distrust.  

-BUT-

He has also made some VERY good choices too.  It took years for him to realize just how "off" he was, and then years more for him to admit it.  And now he has spent almost a decade trying to make it right.  It was a day long in coming, but SO worth the work, effort, forgiveness, repentance and love all of us have put into it.

I need to share with you that in order for him to be re-baptized, he had to receive approval from the First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.  That means that the Prophet of our church had to pray for my dad and ask the Lord if he had had a true change of heart, had honestly repented, and most importantly - been forgiven.  That's no small thing.  When we heard that the answer to that prayer was a "Yes", we cried tears of joy.  What a gift!

Watching him come up out of the waters of baptism was incredible.  It's taken some time for it to sink in that all those sins are GONE.  He is no longer accountable for them.  I know, trust me I know, how hard a concept that is for some to grasp, but if you are a member of the church and truly believe in the Plan of Salvation, then there can be no doubt in your mind that he is clean.

There will always be consequences that he will have to live with, but I hope that over time, those who still have pain in their hearts or distrust for him will soften their hearts and see the man my dad is becoming.

I have never seen my dad glow like that before.  I wish I could bottle some of it.  :O)  I'm glad that my children had the opportunity to be there and be a part of this miracle.  I'm grateful to my family and friends for their support over the years and for the faith I have in the redeeming power of the Atonement. 

I know something amazing happened in that baptismal font. I saw it. I felt it. I hope that maybe, just maybe, my testimony can touch you and let you also feel the sweet spirit that overcomes me when I think about it. That is my prayer.