Naming and Dedication of A

The service for the naming of our goddaughter was beautiful. It was very moving and I wanted to share some of it. (Hopefully her parents won't mind)

Welcoming of the child:
You have come with stardust in your hair,
with the rush of planets in your blood.
your heart beating out the seasons of eternity,
with a shining in your eyes like the sunlight.

Your parents have brought you to celebrate the joy they have that you are part of their family, and to count themselves blessed, as they bring you into this community.

Relatives pledge: (what we pledged as her godparents)
You have a special relationship with A and you will always be special in her memory. Will you accept the privilege of showing her the virtues of love and justice through the relationships you share? Will you nurture and care for her, tell her stories and listen to her thoughts, to encourage her curiosity, comfort her in tribulation, and share your wisdom as well as your sense of humor with her?

Congregational Dedication:
They say it takes a whole village to raise a child, to encourage the parents, and to provide a safe and loving place for every child's spiritual and moral development. We want to create that place for you here in our congregation.

May your life take shape for goodness and for the healing of the earth.
May you learn to walk in beauty, truth and integrity.
We pledge to guide and support you as you grow and discover your gifts.

Little A, and K & J, we welcome you into our lives and hearts- as individuals and as our cherished family. May you find opportunities for inspiration, service and lasting friendships. Your presence among us brings us joy this blessed season.

So may it be.

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It was nice to celebrate her beautiful life. Parts of the service (not related to the naming) were difficult as they were about hope, light and faith. I'm struggling with that right now. I had a hard time at the end (after the service) and left in tears. Our dear friends were wonderful about it, but I still feel awful that I couldn't keep it together. My loving DH drove us home as I cried. We talked about it and I think that I was most sad because as the service progressed, I was comparing it to my own faith's service for babies, the giving of a name and a blessing. I'm sad that we won't have that. I'm sad that my little one that I was able to love and nurture and mother for such a short time won't have a name and a blessing. I miss our baby. DH said that he too was having a hard time with it. Luckily, we have each other to cling to and our family and friends that love and support us no matter what.