a verse just for him

When my little one was a baby we claimed a Bible passage for him, a verse that would encourage him in his life and be a reminder of God's great love for him. There are so many beautiful passages that it's difficult to choose, but Galatians 2:20 stood out because it was read at our wedding ceremony and it is also my husband's confirmation verse.

I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. ~Galatians 2:20

I speak those words aloud and I can hardly make it through without tearing up. There is so much power and beauty and comfort in that one little verse.

Those are words I want my son to feel deep in his bones, to confidently know in the corners of his heart, and to have on the tip of his tongue, ready to share.

Josiah, my precious boy, is a sinner saved. Forgiven, loved, given life through Jesus. Freed from sin and guilt and the Law.

His identity is not of this world or of himself, but in Christ.

He is made new.

I slip the chain around his neck as I recite the verse and the dog tag lands just above his heart. He runs his fingers over the stamped letters and then smiles as he says "Mama, my name and Jesus' cross are both on here! It's like we're meant to be together." 

You are, little one. You.are.meant.to.be.

Tuck that Truth nugget into your pocket, Josiah, and carry it with you every day, now and for the rest of your life.

You are His.

Have you thought about a special verse for your child? Do you have one that you pray over them and memorize with them? As parents we want our children to know and love all of scripture, but we each have favorite verses that we treasure and that speak to us in different ways! I think choosing a specific Bible passage will not only aide you in praying for your child, but can also be a wonderful reminder for your little one that God's Word and promises are for them personally. May we and our children cling to these verses and find encouragement and comfort through them in joys and in challenges!

*The personalized dog tag is from the lovely Mary at Hope Homemade Etsy Shop and the scripture lamb is from Baby be Blessed