When we chose CJ's name, Scott knew he wanted to share his middle name with him. Therefore, the Christian. And we both love the story of King Josiah (2 Kings 22-23 and 2 Chronicles 34-35). I really wanted to call him Josiah, but I acquiesced to calling him CJ, because if he had been a girl, Scott wanted to just call her Camden. But he was willing to call her Camden Grace like I wanted. It was a good compromise that we were both ok with.
What I didn't realize then was how powerful a name was. It has been a joy to pray the meaning of CJ's name over him. Christian means Christ follower, and I pray Luke 2:52 over him; that he would grow in wisdom, and stature and favor with God and man, just as Jesus did. I pray that he will be wise and make wise choices, and that he will realize that wisdom is more precious than monetary things. I pray that he will grow as he should and be healthy. I pray he will find favor with God because he is a man after His heart. And I pray he would find favor with man, so that he can be a relevant witness among the people God puts in his life. I also pray that like his daddy, he will be loving, artistic, musical and most importantly, a Godly husband. I also pray that like King Josiah, he will be steadfast, that he will see Truth and quickly recognize and act upon it, and that he will do whatever he must to make sure God's Word is honored.
All these things are great to pray, but I'll be honest, they are really hard to shape in his character. I know I can't just pray for it and it happens... that's not how parenting works. One day when CJ was being stubborn, I had this realization that this was steadfastness working itself out... I just needed to be there to help mold it in the right direction. After that, I took to heart what I prayed even more. I can't just throw things out there to God, and not be willing to do my part.
So when it came to naming #2, we really wanted to give him a name that has as much meaning as CJ's has. We didn't just want it to sound cool or be trendy; We wanted a name that had power. So, #2 finally has a name... William Spencer.
And here is where it comes from. First, we value the influence of family in our kids lives. We firmly believe the more people that love on them and invest in them, the better. We shouldn't be the only ones that tell them we love them. We shouldn't be the only ones that tell them Jesus loves them. We shouldn't be the only ones they look to for advice. We want them to know their grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins. So both names are actually a family name.
William is from my maiden name Williams and it is German. It is a combination of will, meaning will or desire and helm, meaning helmet or protection. I pray that like my dad and his father, Will will be steadfast and resolute... just like his name means. I pray like them he would have a desire to take care of his family and like my dad that he would seek to make the lives of those around him richer. I also pray that he will be a protector of those who need it. I pray Isaiah 1:17 over him that he will learn to do good, seek justice, correct oppression; bring justice to the fatherless, and plead the widow's cause. Also that he would take up the helmet of salvation as he wars for the kingdom.
And Spencer... both Scott's dad and oldest brother are Andrew Spencer. We wanted to honor the type of men they are as well. I pray like them, that Will would love his children in the best way he knows how. I pray that he would sacrifice for them like they have done for their kids. Spencer's traditional meaning is also one who give out provisions, or a steward, which harkens back to the verse from Isaiah. I pray he would give generously and without thought. I pray he would be the first to take off his cloak and walk the extra mile. I pray he would have a heart that is soft to those in need, but is willing to fight for their cause.
I love my boys, even though I have only yet met one of them. And I can't wait to see how they grow with time. I am blessed beyond words to be CJ's mom. I know Will will make me feel the same way.
