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What's in a name?

Isn't it neat how everyone just loves babies. Everywhere we go, strangers yearn for a peak at Lana and wanna know how old she is. Sleeping or cooing babies always bring a smile to anyone's face it seems. "What's her name?" is the 2nd question after "How old?" The response is very common as well. Lana, what a pretty and unique name.

Coming up with a child's name is a task that many parents fret over and put it many hours of thought. We were no exception. We tossed around names to see if they matched our last name and made fun of them to make sure to eliminate names that could become the butt of a joke. I've always believed choosing a name should be done with much consideration. After all, even God changed people's names in the Bible to reflect their character. Ultimately, we landed on Lana Michele.

Lana is the middle name of a dear friend. I remember that I was talking to her as I was driving the back roads of Alabama going to visit my in-laws in November for Chris's cousin's wedding. We were talking about names when she suggested Lana. I didn't ponder on it at the time, but I mentioned it to Chris when I got back home. So I researched the name's meaning and it really started to resonate with us.

We chose Lana not only for its delicateness and femininity, but also because it means "rock" in its Gaelic origin. There are many times in the Old Testament that the metaphor of rock was used to describe God. First, a source of physical blessings (water flowing from a rock, hidden in the cleft of a rock for protection). Second, to describe his strength in times of distress. Third, his nature--solid, true and unchangeable.

Michele is the Hebrew form of Michael, which means "like Christ." It is certainly our prayer that she would come to know the Lord personally and choose to trust and follow Him. Lana Michele just seemed to flow together and it felt like the right name for our little blessing. We pray for Lana to rely on God as a source for all blessings, her strength in time of need, and trust Him in all things--for the Lord to be her rock. Our banner verse for her is Psalms 18:2. "The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliver; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge. He is my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold."
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Anonymous said…
:D Love it. I should read your blog more. I am sad that I have missed all this but now I will play catch up. Love her name by the way!!!! ;D Love you all!!!!

Shara Lana ;D
February 24, 2011 at 10:12 AM
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