New Baby

​At 12:56 pm on July 15th, my wife gave birth to our third child, Daniel Dean Sample. We opted not to know the sex of our baby. So, the expectations levels were high in the delivery room. My wife and I, the nurses, and the doctor placed our “bets” on the board. Everyone said, “Girl.” He wasn’t a girl.
 
Ah, the joy of new life—holding a baby in your arms—feeling your heart slip away—wondering what this child will be like and will do in the future. Will he continually be living his life to bring surprise to others? Only God knows.
 
The joy of new life.
 
As I sit and look at my new treasure, I think about Psalm 139.
 
Psalm 139:13–14: For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.
 
Every living person has been created by God uniquely. He formed him or her within the mother, giving one brown hair and another blond. He designed the unique talents each would possess. He crafted the personality and the will. Indeed, each one of us is “fearfully and wonderfully made.”
 
The joy of new life.
 
As God fashions each person, he stamps them with his image, as Genesis 1:27 relates. This fact demands that we all give every person dignity, worth, and value—because God fearfully and wonderfully created them in his image. This dignity should be extended to all, no matter how old or how young. Even if someone seems to “get in the way,” that person has dignity and worth. Even if this person is an unborn child, that person has dignity and worth.
 
As I look at my baby, I realize that many people are quick to remove someone’s dignity and worth. These people are ready to deny the sanctity of all life, replacing this truth with a belief system that benefits their ideals. I pray that God would give them mercy. And, I pray that my son would live in a society where all are provided dignity and worthy, whether they see the light of day or not, whether they are strong or weak, whether they are living or dying. Lord, hear my prayer.