Then There Was Blogging: What's in a name?

Approximately 70,000 babies are born every day in India. Many of these babies will wait for six months before they are given names. For months the babies go by nicknames like “sweety” or “cutie” or some variation typically given by a parent or close relative. Once the baby is six months old a naming ceremony is held. With close relatives and friends gathered, the child is given solid food for the first time, boiled rice mixed with sugar, and a sip of water. After this the name is given.

Kishore and I have a special brotherhood that has deepened tremendously over these last few years as I have spent increasingly more time in India. I was here the day Kishore brought Kezia, the woman he wanted to marry, to meet Suresh and Christina, completely going outside the norms of tradition and arranged marriages. I sat at the table as Kezia was interviewed to make sure that she and Kishore had core values that aligned, before approval could be given for their desired marriage. I arrived just a month after their fall wedding and visited their home as a newlywed couple. I was there the day Kishore found out Kezia was pregnant, just 2 months after their wedding day, and the day that Kishore found out it was twins. I was there the day Kezia went into the hospital and was blessed to visit their two beautiful baby girls just days after they brought them home.

And even after all these moments that I had been present for in these two young lives, nothing could have prepared me for the moment that occurred just days ago. Sitting at the dining table in Suresh’s home, Kishore arrived anxious with something he was excited to share. He sat down and we began chatting about his family and how everyone has been. He reminded me that his daughters’ six month naming ceremony was fast approaching and that I was requested to come and share in the joyous celebration. I was honored and assured Kishore that I would definitely be there. He said it was the following evening at 6pm. No problem my schedule was clear. Then he proceeded to share that he had a special request to ask of me… he asked me to choose the names his daughters would be given at the ceremony. I was overwhelmed; I am still overwhelmed.

Kishore’s parents, Prakasham and Premavathi both passed away just two and a half years ago and to celebrate their lives through Kishore’s children he and Kezia had decided that both of their daughters would be given names that began with the letter “P.” Thankful that the scope of names had been narrowed dramatically I began to pray and brainstorm names. After 20+ hours of prayer God began to shape two beautiful names for two beautiful girls.

Providence Grace

Providence: the foreseeing care and guidance of God over of the earth; in the management of resources and economy
Grace: a manifestation of favor; mercy, pardon

I pray that this beautiful one would seek provident guidance from God as she discovers the greatness of all that God has uniquely created for her to accomplish.

Patience Jewel

Patience: quiet, steady perseverance; diligence
Jewel: a precious possession

I pray that God would keep you blameless as he teaches you each of the spiritual gifts he has entrusted to you, and that He will remind you always that His promises are true and He is faithful to accomplish that which he has promised.