What's in a name?

Well, Ryan and I had a lengthy time deciding what to name our special boy! We had decided to keep his name to ourselves until he entered this world, and it was so special to be able to finally tell our family his name. When we were deciding what to name our son we wanted him to have a solid name that stood for something and even was named after an amazing man!

First, biblically speaking Samuel means "heard of God". Samuel was a gift to Hannah after her many prayers and petitions to the Lord for a child. Ryan and I really feel like Samuel is such a gift from God and that he has heard our prayers the past couple years and provided us with this amazing life when he knew we were ready! Samuel was called by God to do many things during a major turning point in Israel's history and God was able to use him because he was willing to serve his Lord. He demonstrated that those whom God finds faithful in the small things will be trusted with greater things. We pray that our Samuel will have a childlike faith throughout his life, knowing that God not only takes care of the big things but the little things too! A verse from 1 Samuel that I love says "The Lord was with Samuel as he grew up, and he let none of his words fall to the ground." Please pray with us that the Lord would work through us and in Samuel that he would be a man of God.

The second reason we chose Samuel was after a person that has had an impact on both of our lives (directly and indirectly). Many people know that we have both been involved with Chick-fil-A for many years. Ryan and I both were part of the WinShape program, sponsored by CFA and created by Truett Cathy. Ryan also is now a CFA operator. We love this company and the Cathy family and what they stand for. Truett is an amazing man who loves everyone around him, he is a servant and a great business man. Truett's first name is Samuel and we thought it was a great way to teach our son of a great man's life and the legacy his name will leave.

Our Samuel has some big shoes to fill and we are excited to see how he lives up to his name!

3 comments:

Amy said...

I'M CRYING GRACE!!!! This is so sweet :) I'm sooo happy for you and Ryan. Did you know Mark's first name is Samuel too?? I learned some new things about Samuel from the Bible through this post - thank you for that. I can't wait to see the little dude. :)

Whitney said...

You guys are an inspiration! Now I wish we had named Whitney 'Samuel' ...I love it. What a precious little family you are...babies are one of God's coolest inventions, aren't they? Need a babysitter? :)
Tana

Where in the World are the Powells said...

Amy-I think I did know that Mark was named after his grandfather! We really have been so blessed by the Cathy family in many ways and feel so grateful to be a part of the CFA family! Tell Mark thank you for his family and what they have done for us and many others!