Noah Silas

"Noah was a righteous man, blameless among the people of his time, and he walked faithfully with God."

-Genesis 6:9

"By faith Noah, when warned about things not yet seen, in holy fear built an ark to save his family. By his faith he condemned the world and became heir of the righteousness that is in keeping with faith."

-Hebrews 11:7

The Meaning of Noah: "rest"; "wandering" 

When it came to naming our first son, we had a difficult time determining what it should be. We finally agreed on naming him Noah, after he was one day old. It is fitting that we named him Noah for so many reasons. Almost immediately, we noticed his easy-going nature and peaceful ways. He has definitely fulfilled the meaning of his name by possessing a restful disposition and a wandering existence. He's flown many thousands of miles across the ocean, back and forth, back and forth--as he begins his life as a third culture kid. Born in America. Living in China. 

Who are you, child? 

Not quite American. 

Not Chinese either. 

I hope his TCK experiences teach him to be flexible, brave, compassionate, global-minded, and adventurous. I also pray that he will learn that earth is not his home, because he was created for another place. A place where his wandering can cease, and his rest will be complete. Like the Noah of old, I hope that he will strive to be righteous, when those around him live in open rebellion against God. I pray that he will be remembered for his faith, and that God will count it as righteousness. That he will find his identity in Christ, and not in anything else. That he would embrace the Lord, and rest in the shadow of His wings. I pray that his eternal citizenship would matter far more to him than any country that can issue a passport, visa, or residency permit. 

Noah's middle name is Silas. This was a runner-up for his first name. I especially like the name Silas because of the man who was such a helper to Paul during his missionary journeys. Incidentally, Silas means "wood" or "forest". Which makes my mind happy, since it seems to go along with our daughter's earthy name, Willow Rose. 

Silas was a leader in the early church, a respected teacher, empowered by the Holy Spirit to do good work. He was reviled, arrested, imprisoned, beaten--yet he continued to bravely proclaim the Gospel. He sang hymns and praised God when he was in jail. He was considered a faithful brother by Paul. He taught believers in many cities and went where instruction was needed. I admire this man named Silas, and I look forward to meeting him someday. Whereas Noah in Genesis only had a small part of God's plan ('make an ark"), Silas knew redemption's history. He believed the Gospel, and spent his life spreading the news of Jesus Christ. When I think of our little Noah Silas, I pray and I hope, and mostly I cannot wait to see how God chooses to use his life. 

On a side note….

Apparently, Jacob was the most popular name for boys in America for 13 years. Noah stole the position of #1 boy name in 2013. Yes, that's right. We somehow named our child the #1 most popular boy name in America. And here we thought we were so original and unique! Noah is only the second name to hold that position in the 21st century. Hopefully, another name will take over the #1 spot soon, otherwise Noah is going to have a lot of "Noah" friends and will have to be referred to as "Noah J." at school. 

Here are some pictures of Noah's first year of life. If Noah has taught me anything at all, it is that I do not deserve anything good from the Father. God truly blessed me, when He gave me the privilege of raising Noah. Let me hold this life with an open hand.