What is a Godparent?

Disclaimer: Before starting this post, I would like to preface by saying that anything I blog about is MY view-not my husband's, my family's, my job's, or my friends'. If there is something that I blog about that you disagree with, I apologize but also encourage you to contact me. I make no promises that I'm perfect, but I try to live my life as honestly, kindly, and intelligently as possible. Thanks!

With the New Year comes lots of "new" things-new marriages, new babies (not for me this year-knock on wood), new ventures, and new milestones. A new milestone taking place today was a Baptism for a relative of mine. I did not make it (as stated before, I was too busy hacking my lungs out). However, I heard about the Baptism and would like to offer my own opinion of the selection of godparents. I am, by no means, a godparent expert (although both my children have AWESOME godparents-thanks T, J, L, and A!), and haven't had the pleasure of experiencing that joy for myself (which is fine with me-either way). I do, however, know what it means to BE a godparent and what type of person you want to have guiding your child and rather, what type of person you do not.

When Mark and I were selecting godparents for Ethan, and then later for Collin, we thought about two things: Who would we want to take care of them if anything ever happened to us? And who would best guide them on their journey through faith and life? We were definitely not opposed to picking anyone, as long as they had a belief in God and were kind, caring people. Mark's brothers were never considered because they don't believe in God (they call Christmas "giftmas" for cripes sakes!!!) and they are not nice people (Mark's words, not mine-actually, he was a little more honest in his description, but I digress)... That's how we came upon Travis and Lindsey for Ethan and Jenna and Adam for Collin. All are religious in some form (whether Catholic or not), all care deeply for our children, and all are compassionate people.

That's why I was so surprised/troubled to see who my relative picked for her child's godparent. One godparent totally made sense (very faith-filled, kind, had faced adversity and came through, etc.). The other is very selfish, rude, ignorant, and intolerant of others.

When looking up the term "godparent," this is what came up: Traditionally, godparents were informally responsible for ensuring the child's religious education was carried out, and for caring for the child should it be orphaned. Today, the word "godparent" might not have explicitly religious overtones. The modern view of a godparent tends to be an individual chosen by the parents to take an interest in the child's upbringing and personal development.

Now I know Wikipedia is not the most accurate source of information, but obviously I wasn't the only person thinking about their child's faith, care, and personal development. All I can do is pray that for this child's sake, this person, this "godparent" grows up, realizes all of the mistakes they've made, and changes. Or that my relative finds a backup godparent for her child. One can only hope...