From Obligation to Overflow: My Baptism Was Just the Beginning
“From Obligation to Overflow: My Baptism Was Just the Beginning”
Every time I rewatch my baptism video, I’m caught between a smile and tears—the joyful kind. It’s not just a memory; it’s a monument. A reminder of how far God has brought me and how deeply He has loved me through every broken chapter.
On March 15, 2016, I rededicated my life to Jesus Christ at 24 years old. That brief moment of being submerged felt like an eternity in the best way—washing off the old, rising into the new (Ephesians 4:20-24). One photo captured just as I emerged has remained a spiritual altar in my heart ever since.
But the story didn’t begin there.
I was first baptized at 18, back on April 12, 2009, at my family’s Baptist church in Port Arthur, Texas. It was a tradition, a requirement passed down from my great-grandfather—not born from revelation but obligation. I did it because I was supposed to, not because I had a personal relationship with God, but I pledged my life to Him. I then graduated in 2010 and attended 1 year at a local community college.
Fast forward a few years: I left Texas at 19 and moved to Atlanta, Georgia. It was there, in 2016, that my true walk with Christ began. I didn’t know what I was doing, but I knew I was desperately yearning for something real. I attended bible studies hosted by Pinky Promise (Heather Lindsey), weekday worship at Fusion Nights (Victory World Church), small groups, prayer calls (Laurina R. Hedd-Williams), and powerful Sunday sermons at Gathering Oasis Church (Cornelius Lindsey).
My focus was to know God and know myself through God’s eyes. I didn’t have much knowledge or clarity of how much the enemy was throwing things on the path God intended for me. If I’m being honest, my flesh and the enemy partnered to get me off of God’s path entirely. I didn’t understand that many of those things were the enemy’s tricks, which completely bamboozled me.
I thought I was “on fire” for God—but the truth? I was lukewarm and didn’t even know it.
I was living in poverty (paycheck to paycheck), hopping couches, catching public buses while watching other believers post their blessings: apartments, cars, careers, relationships, children, etc. Still, I felt rich in divine connections, the kind only God could orchestrate. He was building something in me—but I didn’t know the cost yet.
March 15, 2016, was a moment, a message, a move of God. That rededication baptism became a turning point that ignited something eternal. It was no longer about religion—it was about relationship. No longer performance—but presence. No longer hidden—but here I am.
Scripture Reflection:
"Or do you not know that as many of us as were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death? 4 Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.."
— Romans 6:3-4 NKJV
Until I Arose…
That water wasn’t just water—it was warfare.
That moment wasn’t just symbolic—it was spiritual surrender.
It wasn’t just a photo—it was prophetic proof: I didn’t drown in the past… I AROSE.
🕊️ Devotional: Buried in Water, Raised by Grace
Scripture Focus:
"Therefore we are buried with Him by baptism into death: that just as Christ was raised from the dead… we also should walk in newness of life." — Romans 6:4 (KJV)
There is nothing casual about the moment you publicly declare your life belongs to Jesus. Baptism isn’t a ritual — it’s a resurrection declaration. A surrender that says: I’m dying to the life that held me, and I’m rising into the life God prepared for me.
Sometimes, we go through motions—like my first baptism at 18—not realizing Heaven is still waiting on a heart-led “YES.” But when you meet Jesus Christ for real, water no longer just wets your skin — it washes off shame, fear, confusion, and compromise.
That’s what March 15, 2016, was for me. Not just a second baptism, but a first real surrender.
Today, ask yourself:
🔹 Have I buried everything that once buried me?
🔹 What parts of me still need to rise into God’s purpose?
🔹 Do I truly understand the resurrection power that lives in me?
Let this be a reminder: your baptism wasn’t or won’t be the end of your story. It was or will be the beginning of God’s overflowing grace working through you.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank You for Your son Jesus Christ. Thank You for raising me into new life. Let every day reflect my baptism — dead to sin, alive in You. Remind me that what You did in me wasn’t just a moment… it was a mandate. I say yes to walking in your wonderful and uniquely made divine mandate for me. I declare that I will exude boldness, confidence, faith, and joy everyday because I know that I do not walk alone. I walk with God the Father, God the Son, God the Holy Spirit, and a host of heavenly angels. Let Heaven and Earth record this prayer according to my faith. In Jesus Christ name. Amen Amen. Amen.
Worship Song:
Sung and Said by Victoria Orenze,
“This is not just a song, it is a Response to the kingdom of darkness!
This is not just a song, it is the Believer's Anthem!
This is not just a song, it is the Renewing of your Mind to Truth!
This is not just a song, it is making your Boast in the LORD!
This is not just a song, it is an Assurance for true Believers!
This is not just a song, it is the Knowledge of your Security in GOD!
This is not just a song, it is the Understanding of that which is Written concerning you
This is not just a song, it is the knowledge of your Covering when you walk through the valley of the shadow of death!
NO WEAPON FORMED AGAINST YOU AND I SHALL PROSPER!!!!!!!! ISAIAH 54:17a
I GET BACKING is not just a song, it was my Response to the devil and his witches when they came for me and it will always be my response if they dare try again.
I can boast in THE GOD OF HEAVEN that I serve, because I know Him! If you don't know Him come and surrender yourself to Him, so you can truly enjoy His Salvation, Security, Protection, Deliverance, Joy, Peace, Provision, Love and Assurance like none other.”
