Before the birth of our newborn baby girl, a friend spoke these words to me: “New life is significant. New life marks the start of something new; a new life, someone who has never before existed, and someone who carries a part of God’s heart that was specifically designed for this generation, this time in history.” She was right- there is something HUGE about new life, HUGE about God’s heart that He uniquely imparts to each person walking on earth. It is a matter of us getting connected to His heart to discover it.
Four weeks ago we celebrated the birth of our daughter. She is our third child and we are confident, as my friend so beautifully stated, that with each of their births something changed in the world. Something is different because they are here now, and we celebrate that with hope and excitement for their lives. Each of our children are special, just like each person who has ever walked the earth is special, and I say that in the most sincere way possible. We were each conceived in the dark covering of our mother’s womb and the Hands of Heaven formed our bodies when we were yet unseen. It is truly mind blowing that after being hidden in our mother’s body for nine months, we come out looking something like this precious angel. Isn’t she beautiful?
We each carry something inside of us that was dreamed up in heaven and heaven is waiting for it to be unleased on the earth, so that earth can look a little more like heaven.
God had a plan for His creation- mysterious, wonderful, and far too lofty for me to understand. What amazes me is that each of us are thoughtfully included in that plan.
Whether we were celebrated or not, expected or unexpected, sure of our parent’s love or not so sure, we can be sure that God has a plan for our lives. His plan includes pouring His eternal love and intimate passion into our lives so that we know that we know that we are treasured in the heart of God. His plan includes sealing our hearts with heaven’s promises and guiding us along the ways of life and peace. His plan includes speaking truth, healing, and identity into each child that He created, no matter how young or old, and have their words, choices and lifestyle reflect those realities.
So what’s in a name? My husband and I believe in the meaning/symbolic nature of a name. Our daughter’s name has a special meaning that I pray imprints her life and directs the paths of her heart for all of her days. He name means The Father’s Joy. There is a verse in the Bible that perfectly reflects her name, and it is the truth that I have spoken over her since her conception.
“17 For the Lord your God is living among you.
He is a mighty savior.
He will take delight in you with gladness.
With his love, he will calm all your fears.[b]
He will rejoice over you with joyful songs.”
Zephaniah 3:17
May you receive this truth in your hearts today, as though God Himself were speaking it over you. Find out what your name means, and if it is something that does not bring peace to your life, ask God what truth He speaks over you and allow Him to imprint your heart with heaven’s perspective on your precious life. He is the author of your life and He delights in you!!