Birdie Ann Willis
The Bible claims that God is intimately involved in the details of life. God is the creator and sustainer of all things and yet he is never distant, and he knows our needs. He cares about his creatures and is actively pursuing redemption in a world that desperately needs it. Our sweet little Birdie is a declarative reminder of these truths. Right in the middle of the famous Sermon on the Mount, Jesus calls our attention to the many things we worry about in life. Humans have real needs and God-in-the-flesh knows it. Jesus doesn’t dismiss our needs; he points to other created things that God is constantly providing for: birds and wildflowers. Jesus invites us to watch his creation flourish, to wonder at God’s provision. Our darling Birdie begs us to do the same.
Birdie, you are a delight to your parents because you exist. A year ago to the date of your birth, your mother and I were full of grief, confused, discouraged, and holding onto hope. We had suffered great loss and we did not know whether we would get the gift of more children. In the thick of that grief, we held onto the truth that God is present and deeply good. Now, in a year’s time, we are reminded that there are vast amounts of our lives that we are not in control of, but life is a gift and it is worth journeying alongside God.
Birdie, your mother and I sense that you carry much of Molly’s charm. You have swelled our hearts with delight and wonder already, and we know that will only multiply with time. As Christ charges us to consider the birds and the wildflowers in light of in the Father’s provision, we pray that you always will. When we think of birds, we think of good mothers who do all that they can so that their offspring thrive. Birdie, while one day you may become a mother, you now carry the good grace God has given, often most profoundly to women, to nurture the life around you. Our hurting world needs nurturers, and we trust that is in you. Birdie, know that your life is priceless. You, along with all of humanity, bear the image of God. May your life be built on that foundational truth and may it guide your interaction with others all the days of your life.
We have chosen Ann as Birdie’s middle name, meaning favored by God. She shares this middle name with her “Debbie” (Molly’s mom) and Molly’s dear sister Emily, who left this life far too early. Because of the hope of the gospel, we look forward to our reunion with her and many others at Christ’s table. O Lord, will you empower us to raise our daughter to follow you in your kingdom forevermore. May she be a delight to all and a tangible presence of your beauty, grace, and love.
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Birdie Ann
creative, whimsical, trusting, maternal, priceless, favored by God
