Choosing baptism
When Ronda Meier was growing up, her family had a Lutheran background but did not go to church. But still, God was there.
As an accounting student at St. Ambrose University, she took a few classes in religion. It was around the time of the attacks on Sept. 11, 2001, and she remembers writing a spiritual reflection on the decision some people made to jump from the windows of the World Trade Center buildings before they collapsed.
Three years ago, when she found herself in an overwhelmingly stressful work situation, she started to pray for God’s guidance. 
“Two days later, I lost my job,” she said. “I walked the bicycle path every day. I got to know my surroundings again. I started watching kids playing, noticing when others needed help, and wildlife, I kept seeing all these deer. Little things kept happening that led me to my new career in real estate. I love my job now.”
One day, her car was having some trouble, and she pulled into a parking lot to try to determine the problem. The parking lot she happened to pull into happened to be St. Paul’s.
She came to church on Easter 2015. Then she joined the church. She volunteered to help with Habitat for Humanity, and joined the Ruth circle of the Women of the ELCA to learn more about the Bible and meet people. She reads the Bible every day now, slowly absorbing the stories and messages.
Last Sunday, Ronda was baptized. She can’t believe how much happier she’s been in the past couple of years.
“I wanted to say this is the journey I am going to go on. I believe in God’s way, treating others with respect, helping others. I think of God as a tender God. I do pray that God will help me, not to get into gossip, be judgmental, and have patience. Baptism was a commitment for me to say I am going to go onto God’s way of life.”
Roma Brown
I was so proud of this young woman making that commitment last Sunday (also the young man). As an adult to stand before a congregation and received the blessings of being baptized. Now reading her story, I feel the power of the Holy Spirit working here.
Blessings to you and thank you for sharing your story with all of us.