“The Fall”: Chapter Ten
10.
A Birthday Wish
3 years later
“Happy birthday Michael!” His family chanted, he is now 13 years old. Isaac was giving his big brother a big hug. It felt really good having cake, opening presents and being with his family. Calvin asked Michael what he wanted most for his birthday. Michael thought then said, “Today I would like to be baptized.” His father and mother looked at him surprised that he asked for such a thing. Michael thought he was ready. Everybody he knew has already been baptized; his friends and girlfriend have all been recently dipped in the water. His mother asked if he knew what it meant to be baptized. Being a little a shame he didn't really know the full meaning, Michael felt left out of his group being the last one. “A little bit.” Michael's father's eyebrow raised. “If you really don't know, then why do you want to do it?” Isaac answered, “Because all of his friends have done it.” Michael gave his little brother a dangerous look. His mother shook her head and told him that's not a reason to do something so serious. Michael said he wasn't doing it because of them. Saying, “When you get baptized your sins are forgiven.”
“What else?” His father asked. Michael said he wanted to feel the power and spirit from God. Both his parents looked at each other then said, “I don't know.” Michael asked and begged. Calvin looked at his son and said he'll think about it, now get ready for church. Michael didn't argue he wanted to get baptized today on his birthday. When they got to church Michael enjoyed Sunday school, the children sang happy birthday. Their teacher taught more about King David and how he was a man after God's own heart. Michael wanted to please God, thinking to himself if he gets baptized God would really be proud. After Sunday school all the kids would meet up before the service began. Usually he would hang with his friends and Sierra. David asked what Michael wanted for his birthday. That's when he answered and said, “I want to get baptized.” Sierra hugged him and said she was proud of him. Michael asked everyone how they felt after their baptism. Everybody had their own experience and Michael wanted to know how it felt. What really was the big idea he wondered. The kids were playing but Michael only was thinking about one thing. All the parents called the children into church. The service was about to begin. David and Brandon sat next to him. This time Michael wasn't playing, he was paying attention to the service. The praise and worship singers sang.
“Praise is What I do,
when I want to be close to you
I lift my hands in praise.”
Michael raised his hands wanting to feel closer to God. Last week his father preached. This Sunday their pastor was going to preach. Michael could tell he's getting older, sometimes looking weaker. It wasn’t like he used to be when he was younger but still Michael enjoyed his preaching. After they all prayed and sat down the pastor said, “I planned a sermon for everyone today but God put something on my heart to talk to you about this Sunday. You want to hear a joke tell God your plans.” The church members laughed
“I want to talk about the importance of Jesus' baptism.” Michael couldn't believe this was what the pastor sermon would be about. Maybe this could be the sign he needed. His mind was rushing. Maybe God was trying to talk to him. “When you are baptized, you become a new body for God. Washing away all your sins from before. I ask who wants to start anew in their journey for God.” Michael wanted to be a soldier for God and he knew this would be the first step. Tapping his mother Michael asked if he could be baptized. She thought for a moment, maybe she felt the message the pastor preached. Nodding her head that she agreed. Michael stood up when the pastor asked everyone if they wanted prayer. Making his way to the front, Michael knew he was ready.
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