Tuesday, March 5, 2013

What's In A Name?

 
 
 
We have finally decided on a name.   His name is Jackson Marcus Chen!
 
We all love the name Jackson and it is very fitting that it means "God has been gracious/God has shown favor".
 
The name Marcus was not a name that was on our official list.  As we searched for names, we thought it would be kind of neat to have a name that reflects the word that God gave me during this adoption process..."Defend".
 
With every adoption God gives me a word.  During this adoption process the word has been "defend".  I'm not exactly sure what God is exactly trying to say.  The words I had during the process with our girls totally defines their personalities and who they are in our family.  This word has me a bit stumped.  I'm not sure if God gave me this word to show that our son will be a defender for all that is godly, or if it is a reflection of what this process has been for us.  Never before have we had to defend our choices in expanding our family as much as this time.  "Defend"  also happens to be in the verse we choose for the dog tag Stacy, at Jubilee's Jewels... http://jubileesjewels.com/adoption-fundraising/defend-necklace  designed for us for our adoption fundraiser...Deuteronomy 10:18 "He defends the cause of the fatherless and the widow, and loves the alien, giving him food and clothing."
 
Marcus means "a defense".  And the added bonus is that it gave us the opportunity to name our child after his Uncle Mark Hyde, who happens to be an awesome role model for our kids!
 
The last name, Chen is actually Jackson's given last name.  It is important to us to keep at least part of our kid's given names.  Chen means "morning" or "great" in the Chinese language.  In Hebrew the name means "loveliness" or "grace".  It can also mean "pure or true man".
 
I suppose all these meanings could be interpreted as our son having a lot to live up to.  For us, it is our prayer that our son would be all of these things...which quit honestly is a simple reflection of someone who loves God with his whole heart...and that is our prayer for each of our children.
 


And last of all...yes we are aware that his name can, and will, at times be shortened to Jackie Chen!  Jackie Chen happens to be one of Martin's favorite comic relief characters!  :)

5 comments:

Patrick and Christina said...

What a thoughtful process in naming your sweet boy. Love that God gives you a word to hold on too. I am sure the reason for that word will become clear as you get to know him.

"Jackie Chen" is a pretty cute play on words too!

Wishing you a swift journey to your beautiful little boy.

Kathy said...

Love his name and all the meanings behind his name...God is going to do something amazing with this boy. Can't wait to meet him and love on him. :) I can't imagine how your arms must ache to hold him close...praying that you will travel soon and bring home our little Jackie Chen :)

Paige said...

Sounds like a nickname has already been chosen! Love all the meanings behind his names!

He sure is sweet.

Chantel said...

I love how much thought you put into names. The meaning is very important for us too. And I love that his nickname can be Jackie Chen. :)

Joanna @ Asking with Faith said...

He is precious! And looks like a Jackson. Awesome name.