Seriously, have you ever thought about what a name really means? I mean, when your parents chose your name, did you think,"What were they thinking?" I use to hate my name until recently. Why? Well, let me tell ya'.
Several years ago, God started talking to me about learning the names of God and Jesus. That was powerful and still one that I am working on to know better. It's a great way to learn God/Jesus's character if you are new to the Word. Even you are not I guess. Within the last couple of years, as I would read a book of the Bible, I would really start to wonder what some of the names meant. Didn't matter if the name was a place, such as Lo-debar, which means "not a pasture". This is where Mephibosheth, son of Joshua, was found when King David asked if there were any decendants of Joshua still alive. David wanted to keep his covenant agreement with Joshua in caring for his family forever. Out of fear, Mephibosheth was hidden from David so he would not be killed since he, as an heir to Saul, had claim to the throne. Mephibosheth was hidden in a place that was possibly barren and brought to a place of beauty. The king's table!!! Then there are the names of people. Asher means "happy or blessing". Peter -rock. You get the picture. Names are very important in the Bible as is every written word.
Then a couple of months ago, during our family devotion time, after reading that God changed Abram to Abraham and Sarai to Sarah, we stated that names are very important to God and we started talking about what our names mean. Our girls knew and take pride in their names but our boys did not. When we told them, they got really excited. They took the meaning of their names very seroiusly. This past Sunday, I spoke to a dear friend of mine on the phone. She reminded me that our oldest boy had had prophecy spoken over him during our time at Ft. Bragg. I had forgotten about it until she reminded me (thank you Holly) but could not for the life of me remember what it was. So, thankfully, I had written it down and went to find it yesterday in one of my old journals. This is what was spoken over him, "'Bubba' (not his real name) is a special boy. He had to be born. He has a special journey to take for the LORD to the children who are suffering, hurting and need help." This was spoken twice within a year over this little boy who was at the time between the ages of 18-24 months. I didn't understand the power of this until yesterday. You see, my child, my first born son, third born child, was not to be born. He came during a really tough time in our lives. He came when my marriage was falling apart. No, I would never have aborted this little being, though it had been suggested several times to me during this time. I knew he had to be born. But he was conceived when the thought of another child in our lives was just not "conveinent". But God had other plans, he was used to help restore my marriage. As we have been preparing our journey for adoption, God has used this little man to speak to my husband's heart. "Bubba" has a desire to help "the least of these". If I watch a video of Korah and the filth that these precious people live in, or look at a picture of a group of children that are orphans, or visit Starfish home or any other site that is dedicated to an orphan, he's right here with me. Asking, inquiring, seeking answers. He gets it as much as an almost 7 y/o can get it. He's a deep thinker. He's proactive. He's wanting to change the world. It's not ok with him that there are so many who don't have the arms of a mommy and daddy to hold them when they are cold, scared, tired (he still loves to fall asleep in my lap :) warms this mommy's heart). He can't stand that little ones go to bed hungry and thristy. They have holes in their shoes or no shoes at all. Can you feel the heart of this little guy?
When K and I were pregnant, we had the hardest time choosing names. We always knew what we were having b/c we could only agree on one name period!! It was always for the gender we would end up having. So the first two times, it was girls names only. The next two were boys names only. "Bubba's" name means "strong, firm, optimistic, solid, permanent, enduring". His middle name means "man warrior" and our last name means "devoted, dedicated". We had the pleasure of him accepting Christ last year. We have seen God move in this little guy's heart so much in this past year. We have seen him seek God, share what God is teaching him with others. He shows the love of Christ with his siblings even when he really doesn't want to (not always but often). Now, don't get me wrong, Bubba is NOT perfect. But to see how he has grown into and continues to grow in his name just tells me how much God takes our names seriously. If someone is picking on one of his siblings, he's the first to step up and defend them.
I need to add "Harry Yak's" info in here b/c he just asked if I was talking about him. So, in order not to lie, I am. He's another sweet littl guy. Very active and loves the LORD as well. I'll share more about him another day but I do need to share what his name means. He loves what his name means and again another one who is growing more and more into his name. First name means,"God has given", middle name: "defending men, ruler of men" and of course last name "devoted, dedicated" LOVE MY KIDS. LOVE THEIR NAMES. I really do. They are awesome!!
Have you grown into your name? Do you see why your parent's named you what they named you? I do. I am a laurel crown of grace that is dedicated to the LORD and her family. I absolutely love my name now that I see it through God's eyes. :)
Seeing the world through His eyes
Laurie
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