Alexia's Rite of Passage

So, I'm wrapping up our trip to Mexico by sharing about our last day that included completing what we started on the first day of Alexia's Rite of Passage. Now it was our turn to give her our gifts of love and best wishes, as well as show her videos sent to her by friends and family. In the Jewish tradition, when a young girl has her Bat Mitzvah -- Rite of Passage -- it's a time of celebration.

My first gift to her was a Tree of Life Pendant necklace, symbolic of the Tree of Life she will be as she seeks God’s wisdom and as she lifts her branches to God in praise and worship, and as she gives protection and love and strength to those who need God’s touch through her.

And a “Tzedakah” Charity Box, the Hebrew word for the acts that we call “charity” – doing what is right! Charity is kindness performed out of the goodness of someone’s heart. It’s a heart that can’t help it – they just HAVE to give. The Charity Box tradition started in the First Temple in Jerusalem. It was placed near the entrance, so that contributions could be dropped in. The money was used to help the sick and the poor. Lexi's Tzedakah (Charity Box) represents her missions' heart that she will collect coins in to be sent to those in need. This was my letter of blessing to her.

My Precious Alexia,
This is a very important day – celebrating your Rite of Passage from a little girl to a mighty woman of God. You are still a “little girl” in the eyes of the beholders, but I already see you as a beautiful young woman who is starting her own life of faith and wisdom – finding out all the life treasures and experiences that God has designed JUST FOR YOU! Since you were a little baby, I’ve loved every minute of watching you grow in talent, beauty, and heart after God. And, I’ve loved your joy, sense of humor, silliness, and that fun-loving side of you, and I don’t want you to ever lose that. Those are God-given traits – a lot of folks would love to be a “free spirit” like you are. Competition and people’s approval haven’t been such a big deal to you. Even when you were “Punky Brewster” and wore quirky clothes – you were “your own girl”. Don’t EVER let that go. But, most of all, as you continue to grow and mature, being a God pleaser is what will bring out the best in your life. Before He formed you, He was already calling you a mighty WOMAN of God, because He doesn’t look at us the way we are today – He sees the way we will be. He has already put the seeds of greatness in you and He has such great victories to be won by you. Just like Hadassah….a little Jewish girl, God already called her Queen Esther, and He is already calling you Queen Alexia because He called you “for such a time as this”.

Alexia means: “Defender of the People”
Gabrielle means: “Devoted to God”
That sounds to me that God led your Mom and Dad to name you Alexia because they, and God, already knew you were a Queen in the making – caring for the people, like Queen Esther did – saving her people, and they dedicated you to God when you were just a baby so they knew you would be a fully devoted follower of Jesus.

Today, your Nana sees that too, and that’s why I wanted to give you some very special things that exemplify your heart for God and His people. I loved going to two Jewish synagogues to find just the appropriate gifts for my girl for her Bat Mitzvah – her Rite of Passage. As soon as I saw these things – I knew I wanted them for you because each one has special meaning for Queen Alexia and what her royal reign will prove to be.

Your gifts were purchased from Temple Israel and B’nai Emunah Synagogue in Tulsa in honor of your Rite of Passage.

With all my love, Nana

Alexia's Rite of Passage

Alexia's Rite of Passage Day

The first full day we were in Mexico, we got a beautiful view of Puerto Vallerta -- from a tourist's point of view. Lots of palatial hotels and resorts and shops galore. Cruise ships in port. Who would ever realize what we would eventually experience from "behind the scenes"?

But, this day was devoted to Alexia Wallace's Rite of Passage -- a very special event and occasion of celebrating Alexia's 13th birthday and transition from a little girl to a young woman. In the Jewish tradition, it would be her Bat Mitzvah -- celebrating her passage as a "Daughter of the Blessing". Staci Wallace and Larry Wallace devoted 12 special weeks of training that included 12 keys to living a life of blessing and abundance and being used by God to pour into her life, during this strategic time of transition and preparation. They used movies ("Joan of Arc", Queen Esther's story of preparation, "One Night With the King", as well as, for the first time, getting to see her Mom & Dad's Wedding Video and hearing their own "purity before marriage" story), experiences (special dinners and trips to specific places) and other specifically designed illustrations to carry out the special "Rite of Passage" journey.

The final key and blessing took place in the company of our wonderful missions team in Mexico, as well as Dr. Terry L. Mize and his wife, Renee Mize, the hosts of this wonderful trip and missionaries to missionaries around the world. What better location for the final key, as Alexia's heart is missions.

These photos capture some of the precious moments of our celebration with her -- from our early morning enjoyment of the beach to the evening blessings given by Larry & Staci.
Taking time to pour into our children these valuable lessons will not only impact their lives today.... but it will be carried on for generations to come. It is worth every effort and the time investment.....that will bear fruit beyond what we can imagine.