They call the movements “quickening.” It means it’s the first moments when a mother can feel her baby’s movements. What a bizarre concept! A person can live inside another person. Sometimes I try to imagine I’m an alien visitor to our planet, completely unacquainted with how anything works. Try it. What would you think if someone explained to you how new people are born into the world? I think I would laugh in their face and think them mad as a hatter. People inside other people? I think it’s time to put down the sharp objects, my friend.

Yet it is so. There is a person inside, and that person has had a beating heart since he/she was the size of a pea! No, I’m not exaggerating. Don’t look at me that way.

There is a person inside. And they are known to Jesus. In fact, He has an active relationship with them right now. As David confessed, “From my mother’s womb You have been my God,” and, “You made me trust in You from my mother’s breasts.” (Ps. 22) The tiny person inside has tiny faith. Who knows what things this small person experiences and perceives, before he or she possesses even self-awareness? Before he or she can form conscious memories? John the Baptist leapt inside his mother’s womb when he heard Mary’s voice. What causes my child to leap? I don’t know. Maybe my voice. Maybe some kinds of music. Maybe something I ate. Maybe the voice of One I cannot hear, but whom he/she hears better than I.

“And a little child shall lead them…” “From the mouths of children and nursing babes You have ordained strength…”

Read the rest: Quickening « The Hinterlands.