The Bible says, “A good name is more desirable than great riches; to be esteemed is better than silver or gold.” Proverbs 22:1. As a child I remember receiving the bookmarks that have the meaning of your name written on them and then always at the bottom was that verse. I did not understand what it meant until I was older...
I remember with fondness my sweet Oma whose life was a great example to the women around her. She lived her life as a Proverbs 31 woman and she taught her daughters and granddaughters to do the same. Now even though she is basking in God's presence in heaven whenever people speak of her they speak of her devotion to God, her husband and her family. As I contemplate the birth and life of our precious daughter, Erica Dawn, I desire for her to have a good name to be a lady of impeccable character and integrity. When Chip and I chose Erica's name we named her after our older siblings, my brother Eric and Chip's sister Dawn because of the great examples they have been to us.
My brother Eric was always my hero and best friend growing up. Almost everyone of my cherished childhood memories has him in it. Eric made a decision when he was young to devote his life to the Lord. As a proud sister I have watched him serve the Lord faithfully as a youth on the mission fields of Guatemala and Germany, as a young adult serving on the bus ministry bringing countless children to church so that they may hear and know about the saving grace of Christ Jesus, and now as a father striving to raise his children to know the Lord.
When I met Dawn my first impression was that she was very protective of her younger brother. After closer observation I have noticed how important family is to Dawn. She was not being over protective as I originally had thought, but instead she cares so much about her brothers and her family that she works diligently to encourage them to stay on the path that God has for them. I have watched Dawn grow and soften over the years, but she has never wavered in her devotion to her family. Recently I have watched Dawn as she has tried to lessen the load for mom (not an easy task... Mom is a doer), care for her children (again not an easy task... 4 children going 4 different directions) and her husband, all the while maintaining her devotion to our heavenly father. She is another great example of a Proverbs 31 woman.
Chip and I love each member of our families so very much! We are honored to have families that have established and maintained a strong Christian heritage, and we hope to do the same as we raise our sweet Erica Dawn.
xoxo
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