and she said yes...

Her name is Dorcas. She and her mother were members of the small church I served. They were originally from Ghana. Dorcas was a sweet girl who kept us on our toes. One Sunday morning she broke free from the nursery and ran straight to the Sanctuary. The doors busted open right when I was reading the Gospel lesson.



We didn't know what was happening. All the sudden the doors opened and a squeeling girl came running down the aisle. Not far behind her the nursery worker was running to catch her little lamb.



Quiet resumed. After worship we learned that Dorcas had simply gone on a joy run. Indeed she had a knack for sharing joy.

The next Sunday Dorcas came into the sanctuary was the day she was baptized. Her entire family came....cousins, brothers, aunts, uncles.....all dressed in traditional African attire. It was truly a beautiful sight.



Dorcas was old enough to know what was happening.....even though she had a severe learning disability. I picked her up in my arms when it was time for the baptism. I wanted her to see everything.

I looked her in the eyes and said all three of her names.
She responded, "Yes."


I dipped my cupped hand into the water and placed it on her head and said, "I baptize you in the name of the Father...."

Dorcas said, "Yes!"

"And of the Son"...

Dorcas again responded, "Yes!"

"And the Holy Spirit."

Dorcas concluded the baptism with one last, "Yes!"

That is the day little Dorcas taught us to say, "Yes."

"Yes, Lord. I celebrate this day. You claim me as your own. Yes, Lord. You move among us.Yes, Lord. You lead us into the next day."



I will always vividly remember dear Dorcas.
I tell her story.....
and
her
Yes.....
becomes my Yes.

Yes.....
Lord.....
I belong to you.