A Baby Dedication- We Can Prophesy!

A few weeks ago, our Genevieve was dedicated to the Lord, and it was so special. Many people dedicate their children in different ways or don’t dedicate them at all. But to us, it was important to dedicate her to the Lord in front of our family, church family, and friends.

It was a great day and Genevieve got to wear a really special gown. She wore the dedication gown that her daddy and her uncle, Lee, were dedicated in. Her cousin, Sulli, was also dedicated in the same gown 2 years ago. Josh’s great grandmother made this gown, so it was super special to have G wear it.

I pray Genevieve’s children will be able to wear it someday!

The awesome thing about her dedication day was that we were able to publicly proclaim to those closest to us that we promise to raise her up to know, love, and serve Christ. As a mom, that is my main goal: for her to know God and love Him with all of her heart.

Genevieve did not receive Christ on June 14th, 2015 when she was dedicated. She still has to make that decision on her own, but we, as parents vowed to do everything we can to foster a relationship with the God who created her, to where she can experience the abundant life that is available to us all- Praise God!

As I was getting ready for her dedication, I was thinking a lot about speaking blessings over her life. I recently read one of the Circle Maker books by Mark Batterson. It was the really short one about praying circles around you children. Oh my goodness–so good! My mother-in-law gave me that for Mother’s day, and I read it all in one sitting during one of my lymphedema treatments.

But one particular chapter talks about prophesying over your children. Now, before you get weirded out or think I am being overly-spiritual, hear me out.

When I heard the word prophesy, I typically would think of someone in Bible times saying that something would happen in the future, only to be proven true. In modern day, I’ve thought of people who have had the gift of prophesy much in the same way. Predicting that something would happen, as guided by the Holy Spirit. And I do believe that, but I think prophesying isn’t always about receiving a vision or revelation from God.

Here I will try to explain. We actually prophesy every day.

Even if you are an unbeliever, you prophesy certain things. I hear people say all the time about their children, “He will be a football player”, or “She will be a dancer,” or “He will play the piano,” or “She will be so funny like her momma..” In all honesty, we have no clue how our kids will turn out or what they will be interested in.

BUT by the way we live, what we introduce them to, what we say about them—it directly influences WHO THEY ARE!

Wow, how amazing is that? How SCARY is that? What a RESPONSIBILITY we have as parents. We have such a huge part in shaping who our kids become.

So, for Genevieve’s dedication, it hit me that her daddy and I will be the people she looks to as she learns and grows. I want to be a mom that makes Jesus real to her. I want to exemplify His characteristics in all I do. I want to have in-depth conversations with her about God. I want to watch her grow in Him as she discovers more and more about Him. I can’t wait to see the amazing things God will do in her life.

So, yes, it hit me that I will be her first picture of Christ.

Secondly, it hit me that I have one of the biggest, if not the biggest influence of who she will become, outside of God. And I take that seriously.

So, for me, this dedication was more special than any birthday of celebrating my sweet girl’s life. Because this day celebrated her being dedicated to God. I don’t know how much life can be lived without Jesus.

I want to start a tradition of speaking blessing and prophesies over Genevieve’s life. I want to do it on her birthday and on June 14th each year to remind her of what we pray for, what we believe for, and WHO SHE IS—to us, and to God.

I thought I would share some of her blessings with you all. If you haven’t done this for your kids, it isn’t too late to start. I pray it becomes something that G looks forward to each year as we speak these words over her and proclaim who she is in Christ.

Genevieve’s Blessing

– May you know God at an early age and His presence always be tangible to you.

– May the Lord bless you and keep you. May He shine His face upon you, and be gracious to you. May he give you a peaceful heart.

-May you always be sensitive to the Holy Spirit and be loving and kind.

– May you have a quiet strength that comes from relying on the strong tower of your faith.

– May the Lord keep you from all harm. May he watch over your life; the Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.

– May you be a leader, always willing to stand up for righteousness.

– May you be compassionate and always willing to serve others in need.

– May you walk blamelessly and do what is right. Speak the truth from your heart and never slander with your tongue.

– May you be a true friend, always willing to be there in time of need.

– May you be blessed with many talents- all that you do for God’s glory.

– May you always know how loved and special you are- chosen by God, handpicked, a daughter of the King.

– May you commit your ways to the Lord, succeed in all you do and receive favor.

– May you fear the Lord and always walk in obedience to Him.

– May you work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for God and not for men.

I will add more blessings/ prophesies as time goes on, but I started with these. It can’t hurt to start early praying for and proclaiming God’s goodness, blessings, and promises over her precious life. I truly believe this girl will move mountains!

Encouraging you to practice speaking blessing and prophesy over someone today. It matters. I truly believe the course of someone’s life can be changed by choosing to prophesy. And not seeing in an overly spiritual light—but realizing we all have the power to do it.

Speak life,

Aly