Finally... a name

One of our pastors made the comment that identity determines biography. I thought that statement defined well mine and Kennon's thinking in the naming of our children. We did not set out to start a tradition of giving all our children Bible names. Our first son is named after the Biblical character Caleb, a man whose faith and zeal for God helped lead God's people into the Promised Land, a man full of passion, humility, and faith; a man who encouraged Joshua and stood strong in the face of sin. Our second son, Luke, was named after a doctor, turned missionary, turned historian who inked over 1/4 of the New Testament out of love for one man and a desire for him to know and embrace the gospel.

One of the qualities I really appreciate in my husband is he is an amazing storyteller. He can make the Bible come to life in an inspirational and relevant way no matter your age, and when he tells our sons the stories of their namesakes, our prayer is they will identify with and be inspired by the legacy of these godly, passionate men that the Lord used to change the world. So you see we couldn't let this third boy not have his own character story!

After eight months of many name lists, we've decided to call this third little boy.... Jonathan Alexander Vaughan.

As Francine Rivers writes in the historical novel, The Prince, "Jonathan's legacy was faithfulness. He was obedient to God at all costs, a loyal servant and regent of Israel. He was a trustworthy friend, an honorable son, and a protective father. He willingly accepted the course God charted for him and embraced his faith with all his might." As I finished reading this short book and the scriptures on Jonathan's life in a new light (1 and 2 Samuel), tears rolled down my cheeks at the loyalty, humility, and faithfulness to God and others that this man possessed. We pray our Jonathan would possess the same kind of character.

Alexander is Kennon's middle name as well as his maternal grandfather's middle name who Kennon often describes as one of the most gentle, wise, and Christlike men he's ever known.