When BJ and I first got married we did as I am sure a lot of newlyweds do.... discussed our future kids names. Knowing that we hope to have a large family, there have been tons of names that have buzzed around, many on the short list and tons that have been given the boot. The one name that was not only the first discussed, but also obvious was William Joseph Rector III. We both new that somehow and someway, we would keep the legacy of the name William going.... in fact, we had come to the resolution that had we never had a boy, our last daughter would be named Liam. So needless to say, when BJ exclaimed that we had a BOY we immediately knew his name would be William Joseph Rector III.
Names hold a lot of weight, at least historically, and we believe that we can be praying the attributes of our children's names over them every day and believing that they will truly live up to the meaning that their name holds. Not only this, but obviously some pretty amazing men have the same name as our little boy.... his daddy and his Paw-Paw.... awesome namesakes that Tripp can look up to, learn from and prayerfully become like them! So let's break it down:
The English meaning of the name William is "strong willed warrior". In the simplest of forms, we pray that Tripp would be a fighter.... growing strong, healthy and determined; that he would stand firm for things that he believes in; stand up against those who would want to hurt or damage others... basically, that he would be courageous in battles WORTH fighting. In the grand scheme of things, that he would be a warrior, a LEADER among men... whose life is one worthy to be followed. That he would be humble, a servant, brave and steadfast - confident in whose he is all of the days of his life.
The Hebrew meaning of the name Joseph is "God will increase"... oh sweet boy, how could we pray anything greater over you? We pray and believe that through your life the fame of our Lord would spread in the way that you honor Him, serve Him, worship Him and display His love to others. We pray that the way you live your life here on this earth would be a testimony of the mercy, overwhelming grace and steadfast love that God has for His children... and how it truly transforms one from death to life all for His glory. May you live your days in the shadow of the cross, not wanting accolade for yourself but in pursuit of bringing worship to the Lord.
So his name is William Joseph, but we will call him Tripp.... why? Mainly because he is the THIRD William Joseph in our family line (for those that don't follow... triple / Tripp). Although this is a cute little nickname, it also is a way to honor Paw-Paw and Daddy for the amazing men that they are. The example that these two men will set for Tripp: the love, the service, the grace, the compassion, the provision, the discipline.... calling our son Tripp is a way to exclaim that Momma hopes and believes he will grow up to follow in their footsteps. What a blessing that would be for all that would come to know Tripp.... because Daddy and Paw-Paw set the bar really high.
William Joseph Rector II holding his SON for the first time!
William Joseph Rector holding his GRANDSON for the first time!
Ultimately, Tripper boy, you belong to the Lord. Momma and Daddy are HUMBLED that God graciously blessed our family with you as our son... we LOVE you so much and can't wait to see the little man you grow to be. Know that there is not a day that goes by that you will not be prayed for... we promise to love you, discipline you, play with you, pray for you and listen to you. Oh the joy you bring... be still my heart!
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