Raised to Life: A Beach Baptism I’ll Never Forget

There are moments in life that become markers. Days you know you’ll remember forever.

Last year, I walked into the Atlantic Ocean and publicly proclaimed that Jesus Christ is my Lord and Savior. It was one of the most meaningful moments of my life. Standing in the water, surrounded by my church family, I felt completely surrendered and incredibly loved.

If you had asked me then what the following year would hold, I never would have imagined that I would be standing on that same beach watching my husband, Ronnie, take that very same step.

And what a beautiful sight it was. I cannot begin to tell you how proud I am of him.

Watching him walk into the ocean with confidence and come out raised to life was emotional in the very best way. It wasn’t just about the baptism itself. It was about the journey God has been writing in his heart over the past year.

One of the greatest blessings has been watching the incredible men who have surrounded him. From our pastors, to the Security Team, to the many friends who have encouraged him, prayed with him, laughed with him, and simply walked beside him—God has placed exactly the right people in his path. Every one of them has played a part in reminding Ronnie that he never walks this journey alone.

And I would be remiss if I didn’t mention one very special lady.

Years ago, an elementary school friend of Ronnie’s, Courtnie, simply suggested that I visit SonRise Church.

That invitation changed everything.

God is the One who led us there, but He used her willingness to extend a simple invitation. We’ll always be grateful for the role she played in changing the direction of our lives. It’s a beautiful reminder that you never know what God can do through one conversation or one invitation. And although I didn’t know Courtnie until then, she is such a great friend to me and we get to spend each Sunday morning together at the Connect Desk! Win-Win!

The evening itself couldn’t have been more beautiful.

Yes, it was warm. The haze from the Canadian wildfires lingered in the sky, but thankfully it wasn’t overwhelming. A gentle breeze blew across the beach, and because low tide had been just a few hours earlier, the ocean was calm…and surprisingly warm.

Ronnie was the very first person baptized.

Then, almost immediately, he stepped into another role—helping escort the remaining thirty-plus people into the water. One by one, each person walked into the ocean and came back out with smiles, tears, hugs, and a public declaration that they belong to Jesus.

As if the evening wasn’t already special enough, God added one more incredible blessing. A few months ago, Ronnie found his “One More”…or maybe it’s more accurate to say that God brought him back into Ronnie’s life. Since then, he’s been attending SonRise whenever he could, joining Men’s Ministry, and taking steps to grow in his own faith. Last night, he also made the decision to be baptized. And here’s the part that still brings tears to my eyes—Ronnie was the one who baptized him. What an incredible picture of God’s faithfulness. One man saying “yes” to Jesus, then turning around and helping another man do the very same. It doesn’t get much more beautiful than that.

It was impossible not to smile. It was impossible not to worship.

But if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that when you’re about to experience something God-sized, don’t be surprised when obstacles suddenly appear.

Yesterday was no exception.

Our home’s air conditioning decided it was the perfect day to stop working.

It easily could have delayed Ronnie from getting back to Ocean City in time. By the time he arrived—around 4:50 p.m.—it would have been understandable if he had said, “Maybe next year.”

But he didn’t. He pushed through. He got there. He was ready.

And while he was standing in the ocean declaring his faith, the HVAC technician finally arrived at our house. Thankfully, our son handled everything while Ronnie was exactly where God wanted him to be.

I couldn’t help but smile and think…

Not today, Satan.

The enemy loves distractions. God provides a way through them.

What an unforgettable evening. It was emotional. It was joyful. It was powerful.

It was another reminder that God is always working—even when we can’t see it. He softens hearts. He prepares people long before they realize it. He faithfully pursues us day after day, year after year.

Watching Ronnie publicly proclaim his faith is a memory I’ll treasure for the rest of my life.

I’m so incredibly proud of him.

And I’m even more grateful for a God who never stops pursuing His children.

A Moment to Reflect

Maybe you’ve been thinking about taking your own next step in faith.

Maybe it’s baptism.

Maybe it’s returning to church after being away.

Maybe it’s saying “yes” to Jesus for the very first time.

Or maybe it’s simply inviting someone to church, never realizing how God might use that invitation.

Whatever your next step is, don’t let fear, inconvenience, or distractions convince you to wait.

God is faithful.

He is patient.

And when He calls, He’s already prepared the way.

I’d Love to Hear From You

Have you been baptized? If so, what do you remember most about that day?

Or perhaps you’re still considering it. What’s holding you back?

I’d love for you to share your story in the comments. Your testimony may be exactly the encouragement someone else needs today.

“We were therefore buried with Him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.” — Romans 6:4