On Sunday we had Elliott's dedication at church and it was beautiful. Elliott was presented by good friends of ours Meagan and Greg Marcum and Terri Phelps read during the presentation. Here is what I wrote for the reading:
Even before Justin and I were married we knew that if we were ever blessed with a son, his name would contain the letter E and the name Michael, after Justin’s middle name. The letter E is symbolic to both of us. Justin’s grandfather’s name was Eck with an E and my grandfather’s name was Elmer. Both of our grandfathers played important supporting roles in our lives growing up. We felt as though they needed to be honored in some way. Originally, we decided we could simply name him Michael E. Lainhart. That actually stuck for a while until we decided he really needed a name and not a letter. Many names were discussed, but we kept coming back to Elliott which means “the Lord is my God
Our spiritual hopes for Elliott are that he will always remember that the Lord is his God and that he will not view Christianity as a set of rigid rules but as a true relationship with the Lord. We want his faith to grow by asking questions and then take time to truly find the answers whether they be in books, people or deep within his soul.
In the past year we have come to realize the true importance of community and it does takes a village to raise children, with this being so, we ask the church as well as our family to help us guide Elliott’s relationship with Christ. We invite you to encourage him to ask questions about faith and what being a Christian is really all about. Lift Elliott up when he is unsure but give him space to grow. Lastly, help Elliott understand that it is okay to go against the grain and that what may seem popular is not always right. Most of all we pray that he will be transformed by God’s love and show others that love.
Here are some pictures from the dedication.
Lunch after church, having a little fun at Cracker Barrel
