Truen (behind the name)

"So, do you have a name picked out?"

"Yes, finally, we have it narrowed down!"

"Oh really?! What's the baby's name?"

"We aren't going to say."

We did keep people in suspense at trying to figure out Baby #3's name. For most of the pregnancy we didn't have any trouble keeping it a secret, because we had no idea! No name seemed to fit, and what names we had we couldn't both agree on. (And no, we are not sharing "the list" either.)

We usually don't share the name of our child, because we either don't know; and if we do know, we don't want to hear all the comments... "Oh, the kids will call him....." "I had a really mean 3rd grade teacher with that name..." "My dog's named that!" "That name reminds me of..."

I don't really care what other people think of the name, because it's not up to them. But, for my own sanity, I didn't want any doubts. The name is a choice between Brian, God and me.

Grace Emmanuelle

Justice Daniel

Truen William

We wanted names that reflect the God that we know. The God who loves us. God in all of his glory... and the best way we can give him glory is to show it through our lives, and the lives of our children. We like names in the Bible, especially people that have characteristics that amaze us or gave God glory in amazing ways. But, when you look at those names, broken down in Hebrew, they usually meant things.

Elijah-- "the Lord is my God"

Isaiah--"the Lord helps me; God is my salvation."

Jacob--"By the heel."

Esau--"hairy"

Many people then would name their children based on their life or characteristic of the now.

For example, Joseph was sold into slavery by his brothers to Egypt. He was falsely accused of rape which caused him to be thrown into prison. While he was in this foreign country, in prison, he chose to serve God still, and he was able to prosper, be second in command in Egypt, and save the country from famine.

He also had two sons. The first he names "Manasseh" which sounds like Hebrew forget because "God has made me forget all my trouble and all my father's household." He moved ahead and didn't dwell on the pain of the past. The second son he names "Ephraim" which sounds like twice fruitful because "God has made me fruitful in the land of my suffering."

Brian and I wanted to do the same... only we didn't realize it when we began. We had a whole list of names picked out for our first child. We thought, prayed, and searched for names. Finally, after our daughter was born we chose Grace Emmanuelle.

Grace-- For the grace that God gives us without us deserving it. He sent his one, only, and perfect son to die on the cross for us. That is nothing less than "grace." We don't deserve it and he was able to do it for us anyway. This is the biggest gift. Also, there was a song that meant so much to me at that time, "Grace" by U2 and sung by Nichole Nordeman.

Emmanuelle-- A beautiful name of Jesus. He is "God with us," the Hebrew meaning of the name. At that time in our life, we especially saw that God was with us, taking care of us and guiding us.

Then, our second child came along. A boy, Justice Daniel.

Justice-- God gives justice. He isn't passive and distant, but is intimate and hurts when we hurt. He gives Justice to the poor, the needy, and the broken hearted. He often uses us to be His hands and feet to give justice to the poor and down trodden.

"He has showed you, O man, what is good.

And what does the LORD require of you?

To act JUSTLY and to love mercy

and to walk humbly with your God." Micah 6:8

Also at this time in our lives, we were calling out to God for justice in so many areas of our lives. That he would mobilize us to help with social justice and we asked for justice in our lives as well. And God reigns. He loves justice.

Daniel--It is Brian's middle name, so Justice is also named after his father. And Daniel means "God is my judge," pretty well in line with Justice. Also, Daniel, an amazing prophet and boy that becomes a man that follows God even in a foreign country and culture. He is a leader, cultured, and devout while practical. He also prophesied about Jesus saying:

"In my vision at night I looked, and there before me was one like a son of man, coming with the clouds of heaven. He approached the Ancient of Days and was led into his presence. He was given authority, glory, and sovereign power; all peoples, nations, and men of every language worshiped him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion that will not pass away, and his kingdom is one that will never be destroyed." Daniel 7:13&14

Not only does this describe Jesus, but Jesus says this of himself while he's on trial before his crucifixion. He claims to be the Judge, the one with all power (Matthew 26:64). He is then led away to be killed, only to rise from the dead and fulfill the prophesy.

Now, we have another son. And we struggled on the name. Many names are good, but aren't masculine enough, or they "sound" good but they don't have the meaning that we desired. Or... it just didn't roll off the tongue. Or... it was just plain weird. I have to admit... "Wrath" is a great name, but I had a feeling too many people would turn heads in a not so positive way! So, we finally chose, Truen William.

Truen-- Truth or True. We love that part of God. Jesus is the Truth, the Way, and the Life. His word is Truth. He keeps nothing in the dark, but brings the dark into the light. He is absolute, the plumb line. He is Truth.

At this time in our lives, we are praying for Truth. We desire it and seek it. We know that God does not keep things hidden.

"With my whole heart I cry; answer me, O LORD!

I will keep your statutes.

I call to you; save me, that I may observe your testimonies.

I rise before dawn and cry for help;

I hope in your words.

My eyes are awake before the watches of the night,

that I may meditate on your promise.

Hear my voice according to your steadfast love;

Oh LORD, according to your JUSTICE give me life.

They draw near who persecute me with evil purpose;

they are far from your law.

But you are near, O LORD, and all your commandments are TRUE.

Long have I known from your testimonies that you have founded them forever."

Psalm 119:145-152

William--There are two reasons for this name. One--after William, Brian's grandfather. His faith is one that we both have admired. He has a carefree approach to life, but grounded by a faith that is True and practical. He lives in this world without being of it. Two--William can be shortened to Will--another favorite of ours. God's Will in our lives. That He knows what is best for us and will help us and guide us. His Will is powerful and in control, even if we don't understand it.

There....the Truth behind the name Truen.

He's a beautiful addition to our family. We pray that he, and our other children, will be emboldened by their name. That they will take this name and know that it is part of who they are and who they can be. Because it's based on God's Grace, Justice, and Truth, we know that they can go far in glorifying him.