September 1, 2012

"But now, this is what the LORD says-- he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel: "Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine."
--Isaiah 43:1

Recently I read a post here about names.  Which led me to look up the meaning of my own kid's names.  And I couldn't help but be filled with gratitude at the gift God gave me as I read their descriptions.

 Anjalene: as a girl's name is a variant of Angela (Greek), and the meaning of Angeline is "messenger; messenger of God". Her name is actually a combination of both my deceased grandmothers. How appropriate.

Jonathan: It is of Hebrew origin, and the meaning of Jonathan is "gift of God".  He is named after my dad and Grandpa.  He was three months in utero when my mom was diagnosed with stage three breast cancer at fifty-one.  During that time and after, I often referred to him as my gift from God.  He saved me from a season of despair as I focused on a healthy pregnancy and refused to give in to the fear and anxiousness of my mom's diagnosis.

Janessa: Its source is Yochana, a Hebrew name meaning "God's grace."  She is her own person.  Grace is basically a gift, one given to us when we thought we were done having children. Grace is given to us by God for no reason. All of us are recipients of the grace of God regardless of how "good" or "bad" we are.  And Lord knows, the terrible two's?  Yeah.  we are there right now.  Enough said.  

He calls us each by name. . .the meaning and story behind a name can glean insight and understanding from a God who loves us.  All of us.  Every. Single. Day.