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Friday, August 16, 2013

Ford Nehemiah, his name story

Thank you all so much for the love for baby Ford this week. It has been a whirlwind couple of days but we are home and soaking up every moment with this precious little boy. We are going to take things slow around here but can't wait to share pictures and stories with you. We are so humbled to see how many people already love our Ford. 

Even though he wasn't named after the car company, how could we not incorporate it into his life :)


Before finding out we were even pregnant, Jon and I talked about baby names. We had a girl name picked out (which still stands today) and a few boy names. We found out we were pregnant and a few months later confirmed that we'd be welcoming a son into our family. The thing about names is that they are INCREDIBLY hard to choose. We had our list narrowed down to 2 names (as you can guess, we were both on different teams!) and we couldn't decide. This baby will have this name the rest of his life and I felt like it was our duty, especially since it was a boy, to ensure his name was strong and would help him succeed in life. We knew that if we couldn't decide on it together, we'd need to turn to prayer. We prayed that God would lead us to a name for our son that would honor Him and be the start of the wonderful story being written. We had tossed around the name Ford a few times but never were too serious about it, it wasn't in our top 2. Ford is my dad's dad's middle name, my papa, James Ford Fanning. And his papa is Oscar Ford Fanning. 

So we were at a loss for first names and knew that if a first name was this hard, a middle name would be nearly impossible. We weren't set on Ford but continued to pray for God to lead us to a name. One day Jon came home and suggested the name Nehemiah which I wasn't too keen on. It was too biblical and I'd never read a single word in the book before. He hadn't either, but felt the Lord nudging him towards the name. No lie, a few days after Jon suggested the name, The Village Church started a series on Nehemiah (The Village is Matt Chandler's church in Dallas and Jon and I are regular podcasters). If you aren't familiar with the book, we highly recommend you read about Nehemiah's quest to save his people while standing loyal to the commands of God. I am in pure awe and admiration Nehemiah's steadfastness and pure trust in God's plan for his life and the lives of his people. The book of Nehemiah is a call to action for us now to join God's work of rebuilding and reconciliation in our homes, communities, and cities to bring forth the gospel of Jesus Christ to the lost and dying world around us. Nehemiah had strong faith in the Lord and held fast to the covenant promises He made. He never gave up hope and the name means comfort in the Lord. Nehemiah was an ordinary man who with the love and strength of God, accomplished extraordinary things. We pray that our Ford will be even half the committed, trustworthy believer that Nehemiah was. The Village Church Nehemiah series can be found here.

A few weeks after choosing his name, SheReadsTruth did a 10 day bible study on the book of Nehemiah, yet another concrete affirmation of our son's name. How good is our God?! If you've never read the book, I encourage you to use the SheReadsTruth plan

People often ask how prayers are answered and I wish there was an easy answer. I wish God emailed us a Yes or No or sent a text message reminder of His love for us, but seeing prayers answered isn't always black and white. You just know. And God KEPT revealing our son's name to us. 

I never got a chance to meet Oscar Ford but if our Ford can be half the man my papa is, he will be one heck of a guy. We are so honored for him to share his name with one of the most honest, fun loving, compassionate, caring men we know. And the cool thing is, Ford has so many more meanings in our family. Jon's ancestors helped establish Hartford, Connecticut which is pretty darn cool if you ask me! And if you've read my blog for long enough, you'd know Jon has a sentimental love for Ford mustangs. He is currently restoring his late father's, Ford's grandpa Hart, Mustang. I love the way Jon loves cars and I wish I would have gotten the chance to see him and his dad share that love together but I know in just a few years, Jon will have Ford out there in our garage with dirty hands inside the Mustang.

As you know, Ford was born at 41 weeks so the week after my due date was quite emotional. I counted more than 5 women who were due after me that gave birth before me and I wasn't making any progress. Yes we waited 9 months for this day but the last few days were the hardest. I think it was the night before my due date and I was experiencing some major pregnancy insomnia (ugh!) and got out the bible on my phone and went through some of the Nehemiah material from SheReadsTruth. I remember sobbing at 4am while reading the excerpt below. Lord not my will, but yours. This helped calm my anxious and weary heart and rest in knowing Ford Nehemiah's birthday was the Lord's will alone and it was coming soon. 


And to make your Friday, Ford's stink face...

43 comments:

Raena said...

Love this Ruthie. I think his name is very unique and strong. The meaning behind it is beautiful. Welcome to the world, Ford Nehemiah!

Christelle said...

Congratulations, Ruthie! Ford is adorable and I love the story and meaning behind his name. :)

sia said...

Love the name! We like ford too (owner of a new mustang lol)

P!nky said...

What a strong biblical name. such a cutie!

Amanda aka Manda said...

I absolutely LOVE this name story! So much meaning and love behind it. Congratulations again on such a beautiful baby! You're going to be such amazing parents!

whitney said...

I'm a new reader; found your blog about a month ago. My son was one year old on Aug 8, so this August heat and pregnancy resonates with me. Your son will do extraordinary things. There is something about having a son in this generation that excites me. Blessings for your days ahead!

Tara said...

I love that his name has so much meaning for your family! He is definitely a handsome little guy, too :)

Unknown said...

What a beautiful story and God is funny like that. We tend to ignore his warnings and then he keeps throwing them at us until we notice. What a beautiful baby and family.

Unknown said...

love love love! his name is just gorgeous, Ruthie! And so is his beautiful little face! I just love him. I think you have a mini me on your hands :)

Unknown said...

Congrats girl! What a beautiful story. He is perfect! :)

Brandi Hudack said...

I love them name and think it’s perfect! Such a wonderful background story. Can’t wait to see more photos.
Also, would you mind sharing where you got the yellow “you are my sunshine” frame in his room?

Kayla Peveler said...

I love that you turned to God for this decision! So amazing of you two :)

Kaity said...

that's such a sweet explanation :) I'm not a religious person so I've been curious as to the significance behind Nehemiah for the past couple of days! I love the idea of honoring family members with names.

Kerrie Williams said...

a very strong and meaningful name. Love it!

Candice Williams said...

Wow I absolutely love how you came up with his name. So much meaning and love behind it.

Kelsey Eaton said...

Such a beautiful story! It sounds like you picked a very special name. Congratulations!

Unknown said...

Thanks for sharing your story ! I love how time and time again the name was prevalent and lead you to accepting it as your babys' name !

Anonymous said...

I love his name and the meaning behind it - and I especially loved hearing about where Nehemiah came from. I can't wait to see more updates friend!!!

Kaitlyn (:

Carolyn said...

I love the name so much, and I love how it's so personal to your family!! And I LOVE that you incorporated the Ford logo into his wall... Adorable!!!

Bailey K. | Travel Heals said...

I love the name. It's original, it means something very special, and it has a great story behind it!! Thanks for sharing! :)

Amy said...

What a great name and a great story behind it. I love when a name has so much meaning. He's adorable.

Ketrin Jones said...

Love this & that cute stink face (: hope you all are doing great! xoxo

Michelle (michabella) said...

This was so amazing. What an awesome story behind this little boy. I have no doubt, that he will be a great man because he is going to be raised by some great parents. Again, I love love love his name and how God led y'all to it <3

Amanda said...

I love the story behind Ford's name. Can't wait to hold that little munchkin! Enjoy your weekend, love!

Bri said...

Love love love his name story..almost as much as I love his stink face ;)

Kathrin@shopschoolsleep said...

he's so cute!! I love the story of how you all choose his name(s). It really is a wonder how God gives us what we need when we are/aren't looking for it. **I got a call for an interview that I had been hoping/ praying for at the last minute**

Mandi Moore said...

What a beautiful story! My husband and I are faithful members of the Village Church and it makes my heart happy to know that people outside of our little suburb are truly enjoying Matt speak the word. Enjoy your little one there is nothing like parenthood!

Mandi Moore
BestLittleMooreHouseinTexas.blogspot.com

Carly said...

Loveeeeeee the name, what a great reason to choose it!
Hope y'all are settling into home!

Carly
www.lipglossandcrayons.com

C Mae said...

Ain't nothin better than a family name :) Ford is perfect in every way! :)

Carroll said...

What a beautiful testimony of God's faithfulness! Thank you for sharing this with us, Ruthie. :)

still being [molly] said...

This is just beautiful. What an amazing and God honoring name.

Kimberly Erskine said...

I love how you chose his name and how much symbolism is behind it. It's so wonderful :)

Kenzie @ Life According to Kenz said...

I really hope I'm able to turn to Jesus in the same situation, one day. :) You and Jon are such a huge blessing + encouragement as well as a testimony of faith! Bless y'all and your precious little babe! SO happy he is here!

Lillian (My Recipe Journey) said...

I just found your blog when you mentioned it on 'House Hunters'...great house by the way! Congrats on your beautiful new baby! Love your blog! =D

Mrs. White said...

What an incredible blessing! I love the names you chose, and the reason for the names.

Enjoy the excitement of being a mother for the first time! He is beautiful!

Blessings
Mrs. White
The Legacy of Home

KRISTIN said...

What a little punkin! I love how you came to choose his name. It's a wonderfully strong and special name and I know he will wear it well! :)

Heather Leigh_A beautiful ministry said...

Oh his face! <3 Thanks for giving me infant fever ha!

Love his name and the story behind it! Such a blessing. I just know Ford is going to be used in Mighty ways and Minister for The Kingdom of God!

Oh girl I feel ya! I was due Nov 9th and had about 5 women who were due after me give birth naturally.. Finally I gave in and got induced on the 25th. :)
Love you!!

Claire Beeks said...

Ford Nehemiah is the perfect name for him, Ruthie. I loved reading about the significance of Nehemiah in the bible after Ford was born. It seems very suiting to him! I know he will go on to be a man of God, and achieve great things in his lifetime; his spiritual guides are two very wonderful people! Again, congratulations to your family!

Glitter Gal said...

Saw you on House Hunters yesterday and immediately went to check out your blog when you said that you blog about family, food, and my favorite....FAITH!

Your Ford is adorbs!

God Bless!
Myisha :)
claremontglitter.blogspot.com

Erin LFF said...

He is so so perfect, Ruthie!!! :) I love the idea of family names!

Katharine said...

Congratulations!such a handsome baby boy!

http://katharine-detros.blogspot.com/

Wynne Elder said...

Absolutely loved reading this!!

Whitney M. @ The Married Me said...

Congratulations on your new baby boy! I'm a new follower, I found you via Instagram, and have enjoyed reading back over some of your pregnancy posts! Your little man is so handsome and I adore his name. I also admire your handsome Frenchie! I'd love to own on someday.

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