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A few months ago when my very dear friend and her husband were expecting their first child, they asked me to be their baby’s godmother. They are members of my old church community and we brain stormed on names to use instead of godmother. There were many hilarious variations, but we never quite settled on one.
This morning I attended church for the first time in over 2 years. It was the dedication ceremony for my friend’s baby. Last night we talked about it and while they know I no longer believe in god, nothing about that prohibits me from having this important role in their son’s life. When her husband said, “You can help raise him to be a thinker,” I was humbled and at a loss for words (so I cried like a sap). Bolstered by their love and support, I stood by their side this morning, in front of a pastor I’d had a less than pleasant parting with, and watched as sweet baby R was dedicated. It was then that I learned that I was to be called his “Other Mother.” There was mostly laughter as his dad said this, but there was also some disapproval from a few members of the body.
The amazing thing was 3 years ago I would have cowered under their disapproval. Not out of being timid, because I’m most certainly not, but because of fear of losing their approval. In front of that congregation, standing beside my friends who loved me unconditionally, my heart felt good. On the drive home I reflected on a topic that was started here a couple days ago by Moxie about hiding her atheism. I wondered how many of here also have friends who will stand up to the church for them that we don’t even know exists? It makes me sad to imagine that some may not have even one.
Servantgirl, that was beautiful to read!!
I don’t know what else to say..just..wow! Thanks so much for sharing this! And congrats on being an,”other mother”!
Love, moxie
AnonymousThank you so much for sharing this, Servantgirl. Lovely.
amazing. thanks for sharing servantgirl.
Wow powerful story Servantgirl. Thank you. I like your friends!
AnonymousThis story was so full of love and bravery that it brought tears to my eyes. It stood in such contrast to that which I would call the Not Love and Not Bravery expressed somehow by your detractors. My wish would be that All of that Love and All of that Bravery would be able to, in some measure, seep into the hearts, minds and consciousness of every person in that church. Starting with and including the pastor. All my best wishes to you, your friends and your new Soul Son.
AnonymousWhat a beautiful account. Congratulations on your new appointment. KG
Thanks guys. I have to admit that I couldn’t wait to share this you yesterday
I’ve just been feeling on edge and annoyed about people having to hide how they feel about faith that it was such a refreshing change.
AnonymousCONGRATS on being “another Mother” ServantGirl! That is SO cool!
I’m so glad it turned out to be such an awesome experience for you and your friends (in spite of the few sourpusses who didn’t approve.) I hope I can be half as brave as you were, when the time comes for my son and his wife to dedicate their son at their church. Of course I want to be there for the ceremony, but right now I can barely stomach the thought of even stepping foot inside a church building!
I have no idea what to do if the ceremony includes the pastor asking the grandparents to pledge their commitment to help raise their grandson “in the nurture and admonition of the Lord” ??? I’ll have to cross that bridge when I come to it. I’ll just ask you guys for some ideas so I won’t have to stress over it -ha!
AnonymousOOPS! Correction: I meant “Other Mother” – not “Another Mother.” Sorry!
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