Yep! Whooohooooo!!
I unexpectedly got a call from the Wilmington doctor’s office that my genetic testing blood work results were in. The nurse first told me that all of the genetics tests came back negative (which is a good thing). Then she asked me if we wanted to know the gender–“Yes, that would be wonderful!” I had her on speakerphone so Sam, Luke and I were able to hear her announce that we have a baby girl.
It is SO nice to know something in the midst of all the unknown. Her name is Lydia. This is has been our favorite girl name since we found out that I was pregnant. And it only seems right to go ahead and give her that name so we and all of you can pray for her by name. We are so in love. A little girl!!
Why we love the name
The Gospel & Open Hearts
On the Sabbath we went outside the city gate to the river, where we expected to find a place of prayer. We sat down and began to speak to the women who had gathered there. 14 One of those listening was a woman from the city of Thyatira named Lydia, a dealer in purple cloth. She was a worshiper of God. The Lord opened her heart to respond to Paul’s message. 15 When she and the members of her household were baptized, she invited us to her home. “If you consider me a believer in the Lord,” she said, “come and stay at my house.” And she persuaded us.
Acts 16:13-15
What does Acts 16 say about Lydia?
- (v14) She was a God fearer, rejected poly-theism, focused on worshiping the Jewish God…yet not converted
- (v 14) The Lord opened her heart; opened her mind to the gospel.
- Why did God open her heart? Because it was closed. We are born with closed hearts that suppress the truth. We know from this account that several women heard the gospel, but the Lord opened Lydia’s heart.
There is no one who understands, there is no one who seeks God.
Romans 3: 11
And this is the judgment: the light has come into the world, and people loved the darkness rather than the light because their works were evil. 20 For everyone who does wicked things hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his works should be exposed.
John 3:19-20
I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh.
Ezekiel 36:26
Big picture: In order for anyone to believe in Christ, they must:
1) hear the gospel and
2) God must open their heart. If you would like to hear a sermon on this, click the link here: https://www.gracechurchcc.com/the-gospel-open-hearts/
Also…
Doesn’t “Luke and Lydia” have a nice ring to it?
Renee says
Yesss!!! A baby girl! How exciting! Love you guys!
Renee says
Oh my goodness!!! This is so sweet!! We’re praying for y’all, and, yes! Being able to pray for sweet, baby Lydia makes it feel even more personal!! Thank you for sharing this journey-you are and will continue to be an inspiration for so many! Love y’all!!!
Sara says
I love how you share the Gospel message through sweet Lydia’s name. And you can be sure we are praying for her BY NAME! ❤️
Mary says
Lydia is a strong sweet baby who has the best parents to look after her! We love you guys❤
Chastity & Carl says
Beautiful Name and significance! Thank you for sharing, she is touching so many lives already. Glory be to God!
vicki collins says
Lydia is a awesome name and she has awesome parents to take care of her ❤️
Francisca Justen says
So happy to hear it’s a baby girl! Love the name Lydia.
Sending prayers for that sweet little girl and her loving family.
With love and hugs
Jan says
Lydia Morris…Luke and Lydia…absolutely darling! How gracefully the gospel message flows from their precious Mama’s new heart and renewed mind. Holding you, Sam, Luke and Lydia closely in our hearts through prayer. Y’all are dearly loved!
Jan says
A baby girl…rejoicing with you!! Luke and Lydia Morris…absolutely adorable! How gracefully words of life flows from their sweet Mama’s new heart and renewed mind! We are continuing to hold you, Sam, Luke, and Lydia in our hearts through prayer! Y’all are dear to us!
Michael & Cheryl Jones says
Lydia, what a Blessing this child already is in so many lives. God numbered the stars just as he numbered his children. He’s in the mist from the beginning. Our prayers for you Mallori , Sam and Luke. God has special plans for your family. We love you all❤️ Love Michael & Cheryl
Andrea M Eubank says
That is great! I am so glad that we can pray for you and your sweet baby by name. We will continue to pray for wisdom and peace during this time of uncertainty.
Terri says
Praying for little Lydia by name now! She is impacting all of us as we journey with you and Sam & family. Thank you for loving our great and mighty God and honoring Him in this way!
Brittany says
A girl!!! Happy tears all around! I’m still praying for you! I’m glad your tests were negative! I am so happy you have this board to keep everyone informed! I love the name Lydia! I love the Bible message you added with it!