Monday, May 07, 2007

Life-Breath

They sat close to each other, an open Bible between them, following along as their minister read the words from Mark, chapter seven. When he reached the eleventh verse, their hearts leapt, and without even looking at each other, they both knew.

This would be the name of their firstborn son, should the Lord see fit to bless them with one.

They really had no inkling of how they would live out what the name meant; nineteen and twenty-four years had not dealt this lesson to the young engaged couple. So ideals took the place of reality, and they clung to the name and its’ meaning rather the way one who cannot read might view a precious book – surely the words mean something beautiful, but how to glean the reward of a story would be beyond them until life offered more.

When the seven pound, seven ounce baby boy breathed his first life-breath, his proud daddy spoke the chosen name out loud. The tired mama rolled the meaning of his name around in her mind – funny, it wasn’t so hard to imagine before she held her firstborn. But now… fiercely, she whispered to God, “He’s mine!”

So seven years passed, and the boy grew in stature and soul. He was skinny, but strong; tall, yet still able to fit under an arm for a hug. He was a leader, but a good playmate as well. His vocabulary astounded many, and his comprehensive use of figures of speech (with perfect timing) was a constant source of entertainment. He read the call to worship before the congregation, closing the service with prayer on many evenings. He learned to read and voraciously devoured “Choose Your Own Adventure” books and Treasure Island; choosing, on many nights, to use his free time before bed by reading to his brother. For his sister, he quickly learned the “hug and release” concept, taught by his mama, who was worried by seeing the baby fall to the floor after an aggressively affectionate hug.

He prayed hard, played hard, and loved hard.

His parents felt the pleasure of God as they looked at their firstborn son.

But in his eighth year, his mama felt something new. Fear. And she remembered what his name meant. Really meant. She read this, and worried that she was clinging too tightly, growing troubled that she might be asked to let go. Might I?

And in her anguished heart, she heard this response…

Beloved, he is a gift. Accept him in the manner he was given. With great love. I do not ask now for the return of his life-breath. But oh, that you might devote yours to the devotion of his…to Me!

His mama sighed. She knew this, this she could do. With all her life-breath.

Happy eighth birthday, Corban Mark! Pray hard and love hard... after God. And feel His pleasure.

33 fellow travelers shared:

Anonymous said...

Happy Birthday Corban
hope you have a wonderful day


great books
“Choose Your Own Adventure” books and Treasure Island;

Anonymous said...

Happy Birthday! I love the name Corban. I think it is a word packed with so much meaning!

It is hard to release our kids to God's plan, even though that is the whole point of parenting!

Beverly said...

Happy Birthday to Corban!

May you continue to be an obedient and loving son, and wonderful big-brother. Keep singing the Lord's praises!

It is plain to see that you have brought much joy to your sweet mama.

Andrea said...

Wonderful!
Another year for Corban!
Happy Birthday!

Dawn said...

Happy Birthday to your precious boy! I love the way you paint pictures with your words! Thanks for visiting my blog.

Melissa said...

Happy Birthday to Corban...he is blessed.

Beka said...

Happy birthday Corban!
I LOVE the meaning of his name! Your story behind that is beautiful.
What you said at the end of this post reminds me of Hannah (one of my very favorite stories)-- "So I have also dedicated him to the Lord; as long as he lives he is dedicated to the Lord." (I Samuel 1:28)

Tracy said...

Congratulations to all of you. Corban on his birthday, and you, Elise, for learning a wonderful lesson about whose child he really is. Isn't God good to share with us?

Audrey said...

Corban, have a wonderful Birthday!

Anonymous said...

Elise ~ I've read about your sons' names in past posts...but never even gave it a thought that Corban was in the Bible! I followed your Gateway link and read it just this morning. How many times have I read thru the New Testament and never saw the name Corban before today?!! Amazing! (And, of course, I love your 2nd son's name as that was our first-born's, too.)

Happy Birthday, Corban Mark!

Maxine said...

Happy Birthday, Corban! What a blessed young man you are and what a blessing you have been to others already. I notice that you have been growing in stature and soul: That's what Jesus did while in the home of his parents. So, you are being like Jesus and I'll pray that you always will be. Blessings for your life!

Elise, this is too, too beautiful. What a wonderful thing for a mama to do. You touched the hearts of many other mamas, I'm sure.

And btw, thanks for that link. But, then, that's just like you. You know you have the gift of ministry, don't you?

Cindi said...

Happy Birthday Corbin Mark!

Queenheroical said...

gorgeous ! Happy Birthday Corban! Happy Momma's Day Elise (I always consider my firstborn's birthday my momma day - it just hits home that that was when I was first expected to mom)

Enjoy!

-Krina

TheNormalMiddle said...

Elise you have such a way with words. You are truly gifted, friend!

Happy Birthday to your sweet young man as well.

Papa said...

Dear Corban - Happy Birthday from Papa & Nana, and all the aunts & uncles! We sure do love you!

I was thinking about how God hears your name, and how that might encourage you. When we say your name, "Corban", He hears your name as "Gift of God, Devoted to God" as in something given away to Him. That seems funny to us, but not to Him! And if He hears your name that way, then He will also give you the grace to live that way - the way He knows you were made. Our part is to respond to Him, to obey Him, to love Him, but He is already out there ahead of you - putting people in your path to love and encourage, people that God wants to share His gift with!

May you grow in faith and wisdom as you walk with your parents, and especially as you learn to walk more and more with God!

We SURE do love you!

Papa & Nana, Uncle D, Aunt A, Uncle C, Aunt B, & Auntie M

Anonymous said...

Some beautiful writing here - and below - Elise.

Happy Birthday, Corban!

Jenn @ Knee-Deep in Munchkin Land said...

Elisa, what a beautiful gift you've given your son. Both this beautifully written entry and the fact that you've given him to God. Wow!

Happy Birthday Corban! May this next year be filled with adventures and special memories. May God bless your days in this coming year!

EEEEMommy said...

Happy, happy, birthday!
May young Corban continue to grow in wisdom and in stature and in favor with God and with men!
Continued Blessings,
Angel

Christine said...

What a beautiful tribute! Happy birthday Corban!!

Stacy said...

Happy Birthday, Corban! :)
~Stacy

Inspiration Station said...

I think that is so beautiful that you wrote a birthday post for each of your children. I love the meanings behind their names. Happy 8th birthday to Corban!

Sandi said...

Happy Birthday Corban!

Stepping Heavenward is one of my favorite books! I had no idea there was a journal to go with it.

Anonymous said...

Happy Birthday to your sweet boy...and prayers for courage for his momma's heart. (This momma knows that same fear...may God give us HIS strength.)

Michelle Peacock said...

Oh, this was sooo good! And it's true, they are a gift to us. First God's, then ours. I know many people hate to think of it that way but it's the absolute truth. I love the meaning of his name too, that is so neat! The Lord be with you!

Danielle said...

Wow, did this post ever get the womb-clock ticking! Such a lucky little fellow to have a mother who understands whose boy he really is..

Amico Dio said...

Happy Birthday to Corban!

What a wonderful testimony of God's love!

Amy... said...

Beautiful! You inspire me so much...what lucky children you have!

Miriam said...

Happy birthday to your dear son! My daughter Grace Elizabeth has a similar name meaning (and declaration from her daddy's and my hearts): "Gift of Grace" and "Consecrated to God". I too am learning day by day to hold her and the other children loosely - something that definitely doesn't come easily for me. I really need to read Stepping Heavenward!

Kelly said...

Such beautiful words for Corban!

Little Clay said...

Happy Birthday Corban!!!

Anonymous said...

What a lovely post for your son! Happy Birthday Corban!

Daniel Cherry said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Daniel Cherry said...

Thank you for that beautiful tribute to your Corban. Our son is Corban for the same reason. Someone sent me a link to your post. It is difficult to remember that Corban is ultimately His and not Ours. We raise our children for His glory and purposes. Above our daughter's bed hangs a reminder for us of this truth; "Today God lent us a soul. Tomorrow we must return it prepared for eternity." Our children are a Holy gift and a Holy task. May God bless yours.

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