Dear Rooster Head,

You are about to turn one and I can hardly believe it. A year ago this weekend I was headed into the hospital, sure I would be coming home with a baby in my arms. I returned home, you still firmly in my belly. Even contractions didn’t phase you.

As we head into your first birthday I have been thinking about how we should mark this first year. As cliche as it may be I want my girls to grow up in a better world, a place that is just a little more just. I want it to be a better place because you are here.

I want to empower you. I want you to understand that your life can make a difference, write into your story hope and generosity. I want to give you, my daughter, a prophetic act that matches the prophetic word I received for you before you left the womb. This one brings change. Change.

Love, this makes me nervous on days I am not fully committing to the Lord. How, God, can you expect this tiny being to bring change? People, (including your mother) often cry out for change, but are unwilling to change ourselves. Change can bring so many beautiful things, more justice, more mercy, more peace. At its very best change brings more Jesus. But sometimes it can bring resentment, frustration, contempt. I want to protect you from those things, even when I know that perhaps that is not my job.

No, my job is to teach you about you and your God. About the change He can bring in our hearts, and how that change can be reflected into the world we live in. About how He wants to do a beautiful work in each of us, but especially you. About how God can multiply a work, if you are willing to hand it over. I want to help with that work in you.

So little Rooster, on your first birthday, I am giving your day away. I am asking, for you, that people not buy you anything. No pretty dresses, no adorable plush toys, no toys that light up and whistle. No,  instead I am asking that they make a donation to Charity Water’s September campaign. (Mommy wanted you to come in August, but alas you refused. Perhaps you did know better.)

The work that is being done in Rwanda is incredible. It proves the gospel: that forgiveness breeds redemption, that there is no such thing as too far from God, that love is always the right choice. More than I want fun new toys and pretty new clothes, I want you to be a part of what God is doing. I want to give you just a little piece of this great work.

I have been wrestling with some big things this first year of yours. Wealth and privilege, power and responsibility. I have come to the conclusion that the gospel says this: take what you have, and give it away.

Our goal is $365. One dollar for each day of your little life. Rooster, that is enough to give 5 people clean drinking water for the rest of their lives. God can take your one little year….and forever change the lives of 5 people in Rwanda. I want that for you. I want you to be a part of it.

I believe in you, Love. I believe in your capacity to bring change. I am so lucky to be a part of it.

Love, Your crazy mom

If you would like to contribute to the Roosters first birthday campaign click here.