"She Went by Gently"

1.      The gift of baptism is evident in the story through the woman’s treatment of the girl. She is very kind to her and treats her just like every single one of her other patients. Her kind treatment is emphasized when her husband tells her that she should not deliver the baby because the girl was a slut. However, the woman tells the girl that she should not be ashamed of herself. She explains that she has never been a bad girl, just a girl who made some mistakes. She gives her a second chance just as God gives us.

2.      She means that she saved the baby both spiritually. After the baby was delivered it was not crying like most babies, but instead was limp and quiet. After working on the baby she he or she comes to and lets out a cry. Afterwards, she baptizes him. This is where she saves him spiritually. Even though baby ultimately does not survive, she was able to baptize and start his life anew. This way the baby was reborn again and was able to receive God’s salvation.

3.      The author is trying to convey that the woman brings the light of Jesus wherever she is. As she walked home she notices all these things in nature lighting up and doing things. She is able to notice God in the smallest of places while walking home. This is not something that many can do, or rather think to do in their daily lives. Even the sun while she was walking shined down on her and sent a “special ray of light.” She stops to speak with people and asks God to bless them. This part of the story seems to be saying how she is living a Christian life and how God is happy with her work.