Good morning! It’s nice to meet you. I know you’re overwhelmed right now with all these new people swarming around and wanting to hold you. But soon, you and I will have some alone time, and you’ll get to know me as Poppy. That’s what your big brother, Titus, calls me, and I’m sure you will too.
Even though we’ve just met, I feel like I’ve known you for a long time. When your mom and dad told us we were going to have another blessing added to our family, I couldn’t help but think about you. Several times a day, your grammy and I pray for you. We asked God that you would be born healthy, and He has answered our prayers. We also prayed (and will keep praying) that He would draw Himself close to you as He did with the young prophet Samuel. I know you don’t know who Samuel is yet, but the Old Testament contains a story about this young boy. Not only did he have ears to hear the things of God but, more importantly, he also had a heart to be obedient. “Then the LORD called Samuel. Samuel answered, “Here I am!” (1 Sam. 3:4). We are asking God to instill in you the qualities of Samuel, so you will hear and obey Him.
I believe names are important. Every child should know why they were given their name and what it means. Your parents prayed and believed your name should be Cohen Richard. What a rich and powerful name to be given to such a tiny young man. But this is a name that will guide you throughout your life. This big name will soon fit you like a pair of comfortable shoes.
Your first name, Cohen, comes from the Hebrew language. In fact, in this language, it’s not a name, but a title. The English translation for your name is “priest.” Not only is priest your name, but you are called to be a priest, as well.
Your middle name, Richard, is another very strong name meaning “powerful leader.” Many kings and world leaders have had the name Richard. But you need to be aware that there are two types of leaders: those who lead by might and force, and those who lead by love and example. If you want to study the greatest leader of all time, you will need to look at Jesus. He was often misunderstood because He chose to lead by loving and being an example to those around him. One of your poppy’s favorite verses tells how Jesus led: “In the first book, O Theophilus, I have dealt with all that Jesus began to do and teach” (Acts 1:1). Whatever He asked of his followers, He modeled, walking out the truth in front of them before He asked anyone else to do it.
Your name reminds me a lot of Jesus because He was both a priest and a powerful leader. When He walked on this Earth, many people missed what He was all about. They had their eyes cast in the wrong place, because they were looking for a Messiah who would lead by force.
I pray your heart will guide you to lead by example and your character will be your testimony. But you should know that your middle name, Richard, doesn’t come from a king or a world leader, but from a grander place. It has been handed down to you from your grammy’s dad, Richard Silver. He went to be with Jesus a long time ago, but I want to tell you a little bit about this Richard. He was known as a man of his word. If he told you he was going to do something, you knew he would do it. He was well-loved and respected in his community of Hannibal, Mo. He visited those who were in jail and helped those in need. He had a heart for God and loved to sing about Him. In fact, he and his brothers sang in a group they called “The Silver Quartet.” They traveled around singing about their love for Jesus, and their most-requested song was “Jericho Road.”
So, my dear little grandson, even though you’re only a few hours old, much has been laid at your feet. But you can be assured that you won’t have to walk this journey of life alone. That’s because God has surrounded you with a special group of people who love you and will take care of you no matter what. Welcome, Cohen Richard Moore, to our family. Born March 1, 2016 to Caleb and Adrian Moore.
