My name is unique.

This is my cousin Jethro. I was about a month old when he carried me in this photo. Aside from the comfort of his big strong arms, heehee, I like him because he's the first person, besides Mommy and Daddy, who can pronounce my name correctly. Because of him, (and he's not reached Primary One yet), quite a few adult relatives can pronounce my name today.


I guess we have something in common. His name is not an easy name to pronounce too.

Why do parents pick unusual names for their kids? Mommy's reply would be 'why not?' Mommy noticed that for most adults, when they come across my name, they'd focus on the strangeness of the name... go 'Huh?' and neglect to listen to how it's pronounced. As a result, they never learn it and start complaining how long and difficult it is. With my young cousin, it was different. He immediately tried to pronounce it, and succeeded very quickly. It was the same for his younger brother. I'll leave you to ponder on that.

A child's name is special to the parent. If Daddy or Mommy would follow the norm, my name would be another Kaden or Keagan. But they both felt I am more Ecclesias-like.

The meaning of my name is very closely tied to the two passages quoted in this blog from the chapter, Ecclesiastes, in the bible. This two passages are Mommy's favourites. She believes it describes life as it is, and our relationship with God.

For Daddy, he feels it's best I have God in my life. Ecclesia means 'church'. It's both their hope that I'll eventually choose to be firmly planted in church and be a shining light in this world. Having God in my life simply means I entrust to Him all that I am, all that I have, all that I could be. Simple but not easy.