Grace

 A few of you have picked up from some of the pictures and comments we’ve posted that we have chosen to name our new daughter Hannah Grace LingJun!  As names can hold such deep meaning and significance, we wanted to share a bit of meaning behind her name.

Since being on this adoption journey for the past year, the theme of grace has become very evident to both of us, and one that we felt very strongly about.  Not only have we been reminded of our own need for God’s grace in our lives so we could be redeemed and adopted into God’s family (Eph. 2:8-9), but we also regularly sought God for his direction, grace, and favor throughout our adoption as He led and guided us each step of the (sometimes challenging!) way.  As we look back on this journey, we have unquestionably seen His grace demonstrated toward us, and feel thankful and blessed for the little girl he has prepared to be in our family.

As we began to discuss American name ideas for our daughter, we quickly decided that we wanted to reflect this theme of grace in her name, as a way to remember and give testimony to the Lord.  It didn’t take long until the name “Hannah”, which also means “favor” or “grace”, became part of our discussion, and we both felt a peace about moving forward with Hannah being her first name and combining that with “Grace” as part of her middle name.

We were also encouraged when we discovered that her given Chinese name, LingJun, means “spirit, soul” (Ling) and “truth” (Jun).  With a desire to honor her Chinese heritage and background, we knew we would keep this as part of her name as well.

And so it is:  Hannah Grace LingJun Groezinger.

But now, as we prepare to welcome our daughter into our family, we continue to pray that God’s grace and favor will be on her (for her health, growth, and relationship with God), but also with us as we seek to raise, care, and lead her in the days and years ahead.

We are also praying that she would know the truth of God’s unconditional love for her and choose to receive and accept the free gift of grace available to her through Jesus.  Not only that, but we pray that her spirit (Ling) would reflect the truth (Jun) of this grace in her life and be evident to others who know her and see her.

“You then, my child, be strengthened by the grace that is in Christ Jesus,” 2 Timothy 2:1

Would you join us in praying the same for her?

May this video remind us of the power and evidence of God’s grace!