Dear Ethan

May 22, 2019

Dear Ethan,

    It is good to be writing you this morning – 4:47 a.m., to give you a little perspective on this and where it fits with your life. Ethan Scott Childs is a legacy name, full of promise, a name to live up to, and one to be embraced, just as you are as a person to be embraced. But, you will grow into the name and make it your own, as I suspect you already have to some extent. I know it’s had an effect even at this early stage of your life, though I doubt your mother thinks it is early. More on this name thing later.

    You are born into two families that love and cherish you. You’re the physical embodiment of a spiritual unity that took place when your parents married each other. Your mum and dad, if you don’t mind me using somewhat British terms for them, are quite something and I’d like to share a little of what I know of them with you. First, regarding what you will end up calling your parents; I bet they have an idea of what they’d like you to call them but I think that will be determined in large part by how your speech patterns develop, that’s been the case with my grandchildren. I was a bit overwhelmed when it came to my own kids and didn’t really note this whole naming thing at the time. Your grandparents will have more say in what you call them so pay attention, that’s just the way it works. And, I can’t wait to see how that all plays out.

    I had a good feeling about your dad when I first became aware of him through the social media outlets at the time, namely Facebook. I spent a good amount of time with him during a Wilderness Tour the summer before he married your mom. Everything he did confirmed my sense of the two of them fitting well together. The most important thing for you to know about him right now is that his love of your mom and his love of Jesus are authentic. If he did nothing more than love your mom well, he would be doing well indeed. But it’s the source of this love that makes him stand out. He doesn’t seem to lose his wonder in things and people. I’m glad you’ll have him as an example of a good man.

    I’ve known your mother for considerably longer than your dad and have been friends of her family since before she was in Middle School. She was 12 years old when I started working with her in Junior High Ministries and your Uncle Tyler had moved up to High School. My own Lauren and your mom were a year apart in school but closer in age and we’ve had a long-running gag about their names both being Lauren Elizabeth and who stole who’s name since they are so close in age. The funny thing is now if you used the initials from their married names they are the same, LEW. Well okay, at least I think it’s funny. Your mom is bright and funny, kind and loving, and determined. Get used to that last part; she will be determined for you to succeed and be responsible, to be fun and enjoyable to be around, and more than anything, to be loving. You are already loving. However, I suggest you start in early on to develop the proper expressions to serenely manipulate her to soften that determination, just a tad. Just kidding there; the two of you will have such a bond and a tenderness toward each other that will astound people. It will melt your dad’s heart.

    I’ve had a special place in my heart for your mom’s family; her mom and dad, brother and sister. Sometimes they make my heart ache for joy and at times I ache out of compassion, life is not always an easy road. Let’s talk about your Uncle Tyler, the first of your family that I met and worked with in the church. I was a Junior High advisor at the time and he was part of a group of standout kids. He made me laugh most times and he always impressed me. During one of our Mission Arizona trips together I was having a particularly difficult time and didn’t feel right about how I was dealing with the kids. I took a quiet timeout and waited on the Lord about each of them and this is what I said about Tyler – he possesses faith and faithfulness, he is kind, and has the capacity to move in the greatest gift, love. I’m pretty sure that is spot on. One of the exciting things for you about this part of the family is your older cousin. You’ll be best of friends for life with her.

    Your Aunt Emily is a treasure. I’ve believed that since first knowing her. She has a lot to offer the world with her kindness and her willingness to go out on a limb for others. For Emily I give you a special charge; love her and capture her heart. It will be a great investment that will pay dividends for both of your lives. I think this will be a simple matter for you to undertake and the first step will be the first time she holds you in her arms. Get after it.

    Your Grandmother Gossett is quite amazing. She is passionate and her focus is unwavering in everything she undertakes. In case you are wondering, this is where your mom gets her determination. Your grandfather is a determined man as well but it was your grandmother who really planted the seed. When she sees something that needs doing and feels called to it you’d best not get in the way cause it’ll get done with you, or without you. The best part of this? She gets it all done and make a person smile while it’s happening. You know you are loved and cared for when you are around her.

     Grandfather Gossett is my friend. He’s been my partner in the biggest task that I’ve had at our church, Mission Arizona. Lots of adults came with me to help, only a few were partners. When Uncle Tyler came back as a young adult to lead, he was a partner. You should be seeing a theme here by now – things like this run in the family, being partners and being kind. Scott, as I know him, leaned over during his first organizational meeting for his initial MAZ and said, “You know, we could build them a basketball court.” It had been a little dream of mine and we went and did it together with about 25 others on the team. He puts his arms around people and loves them, sees a bigger dream for them and helps them come to believe in it. His faith, while tested, runs deep. Or rather, because it has been tested, runs deep. He will provide another model for you to emulate.

    Let’s talk about your name for a bit, Ethan Scott Childs. Your middle name is for your Grandpa Scott. You should have seen his face when he told me of your middle name. His heart has been touched by this. You will, of course, share a special bond but way more than the naming thing. It’ll help though. I’m not sure how your mum and dad decided on Ethan for your first name but it is an excellent one. By Old Testament reckoning it means ‘strong’, ‘safe’, or ‘firm’, and ‘long-lived’ which I pray will be the case. I’ve also seen ‘impetuous’ in there but really, isn’t it a responsibility of being a boy to be somewhat impetuous. Just be cool with it.

    The last name you have is Childs. I’m not sure how that got into your ancestral line and a bit of geological research may be in order at some point for you to figure that out. However, Jesus said unless we turn and become like children we cannot enter the Kingdom of Heaven. Keep that in mind as you grow older and never let go of the childlike quality of your faith that I know is in you now, even before birth.

    I’m looking forward to meeting you someday and hope that his letter is a blessing to you and your family.

In His grip,    

   

jerry white