Devotional Love

Photo Credit: Josh Applegate

“If you accept the belief that baptism incorporates us in the mystical body of Christ, into the divine DNA, then you might say that the Holy Spirit is present in each of us, and thus we have the capacity for the fullness of redemption, of transformation.” –Thomas Keating

February is a month in which we celebrate love. Last week I wrote about romantic love. I expressed how the love I feel for Mister is a complex interweaving of desire, attraction, appreciation, respect and devotion. I wrote of a love that is so limitless and expansive, it soars “to the depth, breadth and height my soul can reach.” This week my heart is radiating with a different kind of devotional love that I felt this past weekend. I had the joy and privilege of attending my granddaughter’s baptism, where I witnessed unconditional love and commitment of family and friends and experienced what the expression, “it takes a village,” truly means.

The people who gathered to witness the sacred ceremony of baptism were as varied a group of individuals as you might expect. The baptism was held in a Catholic church, and many of the those in attendance were followers of the Roman Catholic faith. Others came from different religious backgrounds. Some were more spiritual than religious. There might even have been a few who wouldn’t consider themselves part of the “Divine DNA.” But every person there was devoted to my granddaughter, however that looked for them. I could feel the love as surely as I could feel my own breath in my lungs, my own heart beating in my chest.

The church itself was a beautiful sanctuary. Mister and I sat in a pew near the front that afforded an obstructed view of the altar where the proceedings and ceremony of baptism would unfold. Our granddaughter was dressed in the baptismal gown that her grandfather (Mister) had worn when he was baptized, a precious gift from her great grandparents, who were also in attendance. Held in her mother’s arms, she was the picture of innocence, all rosy cheeks and big blue eyes, as she gazed about the room with an expression of trust and contentment.

When it was time for the service to begin, the priest introduced himself, then proceeded to tell a story about the meaning of baptism in the church. He talked about the commitment parents, godparents, family and friends were making to raise the child to a have a relationship with God. He was well spoken and articulate, but also genuine, clearly devoted to his calling as a servant of God. His message resonated deeply with me and I was completely engaged for the duration of the ceremony. I was amazed that my granddaughter never cried once, even when three vessels of water were poured liberally over the top of her head, and I felt certain she could feel the devotional love that surrounded her.

After the service was over, the photographer we’d hired to commemorate this special occasion arrived. She captured some precious moments of my granddaughter in her gown in the sacred space before following us to a gathering at Nana’s home, just a short ten minute drive from the church. My granddaughter’s Nana is an incredible woman, with the energy and enthusiasm of a thirty-year-old, impeccable style, and grace. Her beautiful home was elegant, warm and welcoming. Champagne was poured, photos were snapped, and the conversation flowed. I spoke with family and friends that were old and dear, and new acquaintances alike. The sentiments that were expressed at the church, of us being a committed community, blossomed and took root.

After a long, full day of connection and celebration, Mister and I returned to our guest suite in the same building as our daughter and her little family. As I tucked into bed, I thought about our capacity as human beings for redemption and transformation. I considered how the innocence of a precious baby girl being welcomed into the “mystical body of Christ” had the capacity to fill the hearts of everyone who was gathered that day with hope for the future, and to unite us a village through devotional love.

I hope, dear reader, that this week’s blog gives you pause to contemplate the “capacity for the fullness of redemption, of transformation,” through devotional love. I hope you will consider ways in which you too might choose to live in harmony alongside others, no matter how different they are, no matter how much you disagree. I hope you will join me in my commitment to be a part of a united global community. Because it really does take a village.

COMING UP…

Books & Projects:

·      In December 2025 I signed a contract with Austin Macauley Publishers for my manuscript, The Trials of Alex Anderson, a character-driven novel that explores the relationship between mental illness and trauma.  I am now on the road to publication, with an expected release date near the end of 2026. I’ll be posting regular updates here on  my blog and on social media, so stay tuned for exciting new developments.

·      The Rogue Scorpion is available online at Amazon, Chapters-Indigo, and Barnes & Noble. You can also find it at select Chapters-Indigo and El Hombre de la Mancha bookstores.

Reviews & Interviews:

·      You can read, listen, or watch a large selection of reviews and interviews on my website.

Events:

·      There are no events currently scheduled in my calendar.

YouTube Channel:

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