What's in a Name? ~ Jonas Benjamin ~

 

I posted this 4 years ago when our second son was born... What's in a name? ...reflecting on the meaning of names and sharing the meaning of our second sons name. 

The newest addition to our family (baby boy #4) arrived just 5 days ago! We gave him the name Jonas Benjamin. Here's a little about why...

Jonas. When i think of Jonah i think of the rebellious prophet who wouldn't do what God was asking of him. Although in the end, he actually did obey and God used him in a great revival of a rebellious people for His own glory. Jonas is a form of Jonah, that is slightly more popular in Europe. We like the name for a few reasons, first we felt that it worked really well with our other kids names (Lucas, Elias & Alex). Secondly it works well in both Polish (Jonasz) & English (Jonas) which is important to us because our kids live in Poland and will mostly likely spend most of their lives between two languages and cultures. But mostly we were sold on the name when we found out that it means "gift from God"! There couldn't be a more perfect name for this little one that we prayed to God for, and yet wondered if there would be another baby in our home.

We now have 4 boys in our family! God has done beyond all that I would have hoped or imagined in giving me a family. At 30, I was a single missionary living in a foreign land and wondered if i would ever be married or have kids. There were days i hoped. And there were days i lost hope and cried, "I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!" (Mark 9:24) I knew that nothing was too difficult for God... God brought an amazing man into my life, Benjamin.

Benjamin. Our little guy has his daddy's name as his middle name.  It has been one of the greatest blessings of my life to meet, fall in love with and marry Ben.  To serve the Lord alongside him and be on this adventure called life together with him. I love watching who God is growing him to be and the passion he has for men and helping them grow spiritually. I hope that our youngest grows to have a godly character like his daddy and a passion for God and his kingdom! Benjamin also means "youngest". In in the Old Testament, he is the 12th and youngest son of Jacob. 

Welcome to the world Jonas Benjamin! You are a gift from God and our youngest. You are greatly loved and we can't wait to see who you grow to be!