Our fourth child, and third son, was born in early April. We wanted to share the meaning behind his name and some special blessings we’ve received as a family after his arrival.
August Valor Jangwon Hiroto Han was born about a week late via induction. Despite being late and on the small side, he is proving to be tiny but mighty.
We went back and forth a lot. In accordance with our naming convention, we wanted to name him based on a hero of faith. One of our requirements is that the chosen hero must already be in heaven. Part of the reason for this is that we want to ensure that the person persevered to the end. I can’t imagine naming a child after someone who started off well, but ended poorly.
This time around, we worked backward. We liked the name August, but did not have any particular attachment to Augustine or other August-named members of the faith. We tried out other names along the way, but did not feel completely settled with any of our choices.
On the nights when I put the children to bed, I sing them songs to help lull them to sleep. We start off with twinkle twinkle, then move on to “God songs” as one my children likes to call them. I’ll go through one or two hymns depending on the type of night we are having. During one of my name searches, I decided to look at hymn writers. One of my favorite hymns is Rock of Ages (that story could be a post on its own). As I looked up the lyrics one day, I was surprised to see that the hymn writer’s name was Augustus! Not only that, but he was also a well admired pastor, praised even by J.C. Ryle; the namesake of one of our other boys.
Middle names are 1) based on biblical virtues, and 2) relevant to something God is teaching at that time. Like many in our profession, we have endured a great season of change and transition. While we try not to be swayed by circumstances, there have been many over the past year that have truly tested us. We have been learning how to walk by faith in a very real way. On several occasions, we did not know what our next steps would be, where we would go, what we would do. We have been faced with moves, job changes, deaths, pandemic, spiritual warfare, and life-altering changes (both good and bad). Through all of this, I remember often recalling the words God spoke to Joshua as he led God’s people into the promised land.
Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.
Joshua 1:9
This has been such an encouragement in uncertain times. We stand on His promises and on His unchanging character as we press forward with this task before us. We have prayed and continue to pray for our son that he will be a man of valor who will rest and depend on the Rock of Ages.