Friday, June 20, 2008

Isaac Timothy

A while back I posted that I love the name Noah. Spencer didn't, which is okay. With the way that this story has been unfolding, I am not sure it's the perfect fit, either.

Yesterday, we officially named our little boy Isaac Timothy. I am sure the first name goes without explanation, but I'll give one anyway. I wrote a little while ago about how I have always been drawn to the story in Genesis 22 about Abraham and Isaac. God called Abraham to obedience and complete faithfulness to Him by being willing to lay Isaac on the altar and to trust God to provide, knowing that even if he were to slay Isaac, God could raise him from the dead. Thankfully, it didn't get that far, and God provided the ram in the thicket instead. Although Spencer and I obviously don't feel like we're being called to slay our son, we do know that we are being called to lay our son in God's hands, and to so fully trust in Him... not knowing what the days ahead will look like, but knowing that God can intervene at any time.

Timothy means "to honor God." Not only did we think that it sounds good with Isaac, but we want so much for God to be glorified and honored by the choices we make, the way we walk through this (although I know some days might get ugly), and most importantly, by the way we love Him, each other, and our son.

So Isaac Timothy it is. We were undecided about whether or not we were going to share his name ahead of time. Ordinarily, I don't think we would have. But given the circumstances, I want you to be able to pray for him by name. I want his presence to matter and to be real. I want the chance to use his name rather than have it just be something given in rememberance.

I also started another blog with the hopes of compiling it all into a book (I hear there's a website that does that) at the end. It's essentially just a compilation of letters that I am writing to Isaac. The link is http://mydearisaac.blogspot.com/ in case you'd like to check it out.

I was in Barnes and Noble yesterday looking for a book... I didn't know which one really. I wasn't sure if I was looking for a book on infant loss, a book on loving well, or just what. I came across this book by Carol Kent called "When I Lay My Isaac Down." I was captivated by the title and took it off the shelf. The tag line for the book read, "Unshakeable faith in unthinkable circumstances." I had to read more.

This is a true story of Carol and her husband Gene's son, Jason, who was arrested for the murder of his wife's ex-husband. It's not about infant loss, or a pregnancy with a poor diagnosis. I think it's almost better that it's not. What it is about is the grief that these parents faced, the uncertainty of the road ahead, and the helplessness of not being able to help their son. It's about choosing to trust God when He seems to make no sense.

That's what Abraham did... and he was richly, richly blessed. I want that kind of faith... it doesn't mean that it looks pretty or perfect, but it's a faith that knows there's a bigger picture and a God who is in control of it all.

So would you please continue to pray for our sweet Isaac? For God to intervene and perform a miracle? That He would fix Isaac's abdomen, straighten his little spine, and cause his lungs to grow? Would you please pray that he wouldn't ever be in any sort of pain? And lastly, would you please pray for the grace and the peace for Spencer and I to keep walking through this well?

12 comments:

Lauren said...

Hi! A few things...

1. I need your home address (you can email it to me at LaurenUhrich@comcast.net). I have something for you. It is currently being made but when it is ready I am anxious to send it to you.

2. THANKS FOR PRAYING for NORRAH!

3. Last night at church we were worshiping and singing the song "How Great is Our God" and there is a bridge part where it says "and its rising up, all around its the anthem of the Lord's renown." Anyway... I kept thinking of Isaac and how the Lord is going to raise up an anthem of who HE is through your son and his LIFE! So... for whatever that is worth. Just wanted to share with you!

Love, love!

Amy said...

Hello to Isaac Timothy!!! we love the name and we will pray for him by name viligently :) you can send your address my way as well :) You will just have to stay tuned to hear the name of our little man :)
Hugs to you and Isaac!

Melissa said...

I just found your blog and wanted to let you know that my thought and prayers are with you. Isaac Timothy is a gorgeous name.

Anonymous said...

I prayed for you, Spencer and that sweet baby of yours this morning first thing-I am so glad to now be able to call him by name. And, what a beautiful name it is!

Jen said...

What a beautiful, perfect name. May all the days of his life Honour God.

Anonymous said...

Isaac Timothy is a beautiful and very appropriate name for your little boy! He is a very lucky little guy to have such wonderful caring parents and so many people to pray for him. I hope that circumstances will improve for him.

Anonymous said...

I've been reading your blog for about a week now, and I wanted you to know I am praying for you and your little boy. I had my hand on you today (okay, your picture.. ;o)) and I was lifting up your requests to God. But when I got to "Let him never feel pain" I paused. And then I prayed that he does live long enough to feel pain, to scrape his knee when he's learning to walk and get bruises while playing in the schoolyard and feel heartache over his first crush. And I pray that God carries him through those times, just as He's carrying Him right now. I don't know what sweet Isaac's outcome will be, but I pray that no matter how much time you have with him, that you love him enough for a lifetime. Don't hold back, but love him freely and without reservation.

Erin

Stephanie said...

a thought for your refresh button~
"...these little ones; for I say unto you, That in heaven their angels do always behold the face of my Father which is in heaven."
Jesus speaking in Matthew 18:10

Isaac has angels staring into the face of God right now. I hope that brings you peace.

The Writer Chic said...

Stacy, what a beautifully written entry. I feel blessed and privelidged to be walking this road with you, lifting you up. You are one of a handful of Nesties whom I share a faith with whom God has chosen to bear a burden she'd honestly rather not carry. I will pray for you, Spencer, and Isaac daily -- for peace, for miraculous healing.

You are loved, sister.

Kirsten said...

What a beautiful name! I'm so glad to know him by name. I pray that every time you read, speak, type or hear the name Isaac Timothy that your heart will well with pride, joy, and love. Thank you for sharing his name, and his precious life, with us. It is a blessing to pray for him by name.

I saw Carol Kent at a Women of Faith conference and her story is powerful. So glad you found her and were encouragemd by her testimony. Your testimony will inspire and serve as an example to others as well.

Still praying,
Kirsten
www.blooming-faith.blogspot.com

Anonymous said...

I am so glad to hear this little boy's name! How beautifully fitting and wonderfully chosen. We will be praying for little Isaac:)

Anonymous said...

I love this name!! I will be keeping you, Spencer and baby Isaac in my prayers.