Meet My Son, JD Jr.
April Fools! Just kidding, he is not actually my son (Sorry mom, your still gonna have to wait on me having kids for a while!), however, he was named after me and is probably the only Ugandan ever to be called JD!
This little guy was brought into the world on Thursday, March 24th. And I was the first Muzungu (White Person) to hold him only a few hours after he was born. One of our last nights in Uganda, my team and I were hosted by one of our contacts, Pastor Elijah. He invited us to his house to have dinner and bless his home (It seems like every African wants you to bless their home, but I'm ok with it cause it usually includes free food and drink).
Earlier that day we were eating lunch with Pastor Elijah when he received a phone call that his wife was in labor. And we assumed that most likely are dinner plans would of been canceled due to the new arrival, but no that wasn't the case at all. Pastor still wanted us to come and have dinner with him, and once we arrived I sat down and told everyone that I heard something funny earlier that day. I shared with them that a Ugandan friend of mine told me that the child should be named after me. I was just trying to make a joke and then all of a sudden the mother comes out of her bedroom and hands me her "fresh out of the oven", brand spank'n new, baby boy!
I couldn't believe it! I was holding such a tiny and helpless life, but knowing that there was so much destiny and purpose before him. He was wrapped up in what seemed to be a white, cushy pillow case of innocence, knowing nothing of a fallen world or what it meant to be naked and ashamed. He was still in the Garden of Eden, and who knew when he would have to be kicked out like all of us had been.
And somewhere in the middle of this profound realization, I discover that John David (JD) will be his name. John, meaning, "God is Gracious" and David, meaning, "Beloved". I took me awhile to tell if Pastor Elijah was serious or not, but I finally accepted it and was completely humbled. I don't think anything, let alone anyone has ever been named after me. What shoes or name or calling would he be walking in? What kind of example have I left for someone to want my name or my identity? For a name defines, it is what is spoken over you a million times throughout your life, calling you into your destiny.
So we ended the night with what else, a blessing. I closed in prayer and spoke life into this family and promise into this son. He is called Beloved, he will know that God is Gracious, and he will be happily nicknamed, JD!
Oh, look at him! (Pastor Elijah, His Wife, His Son, and Me)
I think he has my eyes!
This is the traditional "African Smile" in every picture. They are overjoyed about the new arrival, trust me!
