What's in a name?

Unfortunately 'Philo' and 'Thistle' didn't get a look in again, nor did Caleb (a definite possibility for a while) or Doren, but there's always next time(!). Actually I'm not sure there will be?!

Still, as with his brother before him, when considering the not insignificant responsibility of naming our son, we knew wanted a biblical name, ideally with a meaning we liked and a character that we admired and wouldn't mind our son emulating! Hence...

Daniel (of Hebrew origin) meaning: 'my judge is the Lord'.

We can only hope and pray that Daniel will come to share his namesakes' quiet convictions - I mean, he even had a song written about him...

Standing by a purpose true,
Heeding God’s command,
Honour them, the faithful few!
All hail to Daniel’s band!

Dare to be a Daniel,
Dare to stand alone!
Dare to have a purpose firm!
Dare to make it known.

Many mighty men are lost
Daring not to stand,
Who for God had been a host
By joining Daniel’s band.

Many giants, great and tall,
Stalking through the land,
Headlong to the earth would fall,
If met by Daniel’s band.

Hold the Gospel banner high!
On to vict’ry grand!
Satan and his hosts defy,
And shout for Daniel’s band.


As for his middle name? Perhaps 'Thomas' isn't such an obviously positive choice. It's fair to say that people are less likely to readily acknowledge Thomas' positive attributes. I mean, he was a bit of a doubter wasn't he?!

Rather ironically (for a variety of reasons), even the night before Daniel was born we found ourselves literally doubting 'Thomas' was the name for us! But we reckon it is (Lisa certainly knew it was when I started suggesting Doren as an alternative - she's so square!). But we reckon it is because after all his mum and dad have been known to question a few things?!

The Thomas of the New Testament may have 'doubted', but his doubts had a purpose - he wanted to know the truth (and you can't knock him for that). His questioning was a way of responding to his own faith journey , but they weren't a way of life.

So, what's in a name? If his parents prayers are answered and our hopes realised then Daniel Thomas Hanover will grow as a boy and become a man known for his quiet, but steadfast convictions birthed from a healthy, inquiring faith. May God hear and answer prayer.