A Song of Freedom, and Hope for the Future

Although we thought our life was pretty complete with two children, we have a drawing given to us when we were married, of five birds sitting in a tree: two big and three smaller birds. So we have suspected there might be a third child waiting in the wings somewhere along the way.

Several months ago, when we found we were expecting a girl, we already knew her name. We had thought of Larkin years ago and knew we would use it the next chance we got. We were so certain, in fact, that we have been discussing her for years as if she were a friend we have been waiting to meet in person.

I just found out yesterday that my parents actually researched the meaning of her name. They got further than I did, because every engine I ever used said there was no such name in the database. So I am proud of them for their persistence.

It turns out that Larkin is of Irish origin, and refers to the songbird, the lark, which is symbolic of freedom. How appropriate that we gave her this name, as she was born on a great day for this country which represents freedom to the rest of the world. What may be forgotten on future birthdays is that January 20, 2009 was the Inauguration Day for America's first black president. What a great day for civil rights and for freedom!

From a biblical standpoint, I hear about freedom, and I remember that I am free in Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me.

More than that, though, this girlie is given the name Hope. Hope because of the anxiety that has been giving me insomnia due to her small size and my minimal weight gain. I asked the Lord, and he gave this name to me. He reminded me that three things will last forever: Faith, Hope, and Love. That when the night is dark, we always have hope. And that every new day brings hope for the future.

There are so many verses in the Bible referring to hope. Jesus is our ultimate hope. When we place our hope in him, every other thing fades into insignificance.

I placed my hope in the Lord with this baby. And he gave reassurance that she is his, crafted according to his design no matter how she grows and develops.

That first night in the hospital, as I pondered all the glowing reports from the doctor, the pediatric nurse, and the pediatrician, I was struck by something that to me is stunning. Larkin Hope was born at 7:02pm. She weighed 7lbs, 7oz. That's three sevens. And she measured exactly 21 inches. God's perfect number times the trinity.

In that moment I realized that I cried out to the Lord, and he answered me. I believe he intended for her to be exactly that size, and brought her into the world 10 days early to show me his perfect answer. That he cares enough for my unfounded misgivings, that he would answer me so clearly, brings me to wonder all over again at my value to the creator of the universe.

My baby, God's perfect creation, carries the name of freedom, and hope for the future.

Praise God, from whom all blessings flow.