Two weeks ago Desmond Matthew Horst was born.
Within the first twenty-four hours of Desmond’s life he had several family visitors. Included in that list was Malia, Desmond’s two and a half year old cousin.
When Malia entered room 403 at St. Anthony’s Hospital in Denver, she was poised, confident and ready for action. She had been talking about this little baby for a long time, and although the gender had been a mystery to most of us, Malia had long maintained her steadfast belief that a male cousin was on the way.
Malia sat in a chair and thoughtfully held Desmond, with the steady hand of her Mom at her side. She gazed into Desmond’s eyes and chatted away. She knew there was no way that Desmond could talk back, but certainly he would understand what she was saying to him!
As Malia left the hospital room on August 21, she left with a resolve that has galvanized into a personal conviction. The conviction is simple… although his birth certificate will read Desmond Matthew, to Malia this little boy is Smiles. Malia, compelled by an unknown force, has named this little boy. She’s fine with the rest of us calling him Desmond or Des, but that simply won’t suit her. Smiles is who he was born to be.
“Hey Pops, tomorrow I’m going to see Alli and Chris and Smiles at your house.”
No pretense, belligerence, defiance or attitude. Just Smiles… born to bring joy to his parents, and exceeding joy to his grandparents.
“For to us a child is born,
to us a son is given;
and the government shall be upon his shoulder,
and his name shall be called
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” ~ Isaiah 9:6 (ESV)
Although his name was Jesus… He was so much more. A simple name couldn’t contain Him; it didn’t represent the fullness of His character… and so God instructed Isaiah to extend His name… to make “Jesus” the doorway into a storehouse of beautiful descriptions.
History records His birth as Jesus, son of David… but the richness of His life begs each of us to call Him more.
For Malia… Smiles…
And through her example my soul now explodes as I ponder the richness of the names I give my Savior.
{ 0 comments… add one now }