Roman Aksel...God's gift to us

Some days seem more significant than others. A day that 'marks' time. Today is one of those days. Today at 6:11 p.m. exactly two years ago, God gave our family a special gift. A gift beyond words, a gift that was priceless, the gift of our son... Roman Aksel Lee.

Roman moments after his birth on April 22, 2010

We look back on life B.R. (Before Roman) and have a hard time remembering those days. And it all happens so quickly... one minute the baby is a bump in the tummy and the next moment the announcement of "it's a BOY!!" with wailing and crying to go with it. How would life ever be the same?

As I reflect on my feelings on that day, one feeling in particular stands out... a feeling of 'pause' at the great responsibility of this life entrusted to us for the time being. How will we do at bringing up this young life and training him to live this precious gift of life that God has given him? We pray daily for direction and for God to use us as parents to be prime examples of Christ in this world... living and breathing extensions of Christ's hands and feet, so that he may see the Bible come alive. We aren't perfect, but we hope that he can get a glimpse of the genuineness of our love for him and our love for God.

Roman, now TWO years old is fun loving and high energy!! He loves to sing, and kiss :), and "rock" in the rocking chair. His favorite thing in the whole wide world is going for a 'tain' ride (aka barrel train ride at Pop and Gma's house).

Reflecting Roman's name.... Roman Aksel Lee. Many may say "so what's in the name?" Let me take a moment to remember:

We were committed with our children to give them names that are unique enough to warrant the question “What’s that name mean?” We wanted the answer to that question to be a testimony, a story about God, so that our children will always have a Gospel story to tell their whole lives.

Roman’s name comes from a martyred Christian named Romanus, who was killed in 303 AD for his belief in Jesus and commitment to non-violence by the last and worst of the Caesars to persecute the early Church. 

Aksel is a Norwegian name (Ben’s ancestry is all Norwegian) with Hebrew origin that means “Father of Peace.”

There’s more to the story, but we want to raise Roman with an awareness and appreciation for his namesake and the millions of other Christians who have been martyred because they chose the path of Jesus and a commitment to non-violence. We also want him to know that one day in heaven he will meet his namesake, Romanus. Our prayer for Roman is that he lives with an awareness of whose honor he is named.

Aksel is also a name that a few people in Ben’s family share, although they (and the rest of the known world) spell it the more common way, “Axle.”

By the way, one last thing: Revelation 6:9 – 11 tells us what Romanus and other martyred saints are doing in heaven right now. “I saw under the altar the souls of those who had been slain because of the word of God and the testimony they had maintained. ¹⁰They called out in a loud voice, "How long, Sovereign Lord, holy and true, until you judge the inhabitants of the earth and avenge our blood?" ¹¹Then each of them was given a white robe, and they were told to wait a little longer, until the number of their fellow servants and brothers who were to be killed as they had been was completed.”

The Bible is unclear if saints in heaven can see what happens on earth, but we do know they are at least aware of events. Perhaps two years ago on April 22^nd, Romanus was aware that a little boy was born in Canton, Ohio in 2010, who is grateful for his commitment to Jesus and His Church!

Roman blowing out his cupcake candle!

Below are prayers specifically we want to pray over Roman today on his 2nd birthday!!!

Help Roman clothe himself with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.  Colossians 3:12

Fulfill every good purpose in Roman's life and every act prompted by his faith, so that the name of our Lord Jesus Christ may be glorified in his life. (2 Thessalonians 1;11-12)

You know the plans you have for Roman, plans to prosper him and not harm him, plans to give him hope and a future.  Cause Roman to call upon you and come and pray to you, and then listen to him, O Lord.  Let him seek you with all his heart, and find you when he does seek you. (Jeremiah 29:11-13)

Let Roman be careful and wise in how he lives, making the most of every opportunity and understanding your will for his life.  (Ephesians 5:15-17)

Thank you for beginning a good work in Roman, and that you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. (Philippians 1:6)

Let Roman be glad for all you are planning for him.  Let him be patient in trouble, and prayerful always.  (Romans 12:12)

Roman enjoying his cupcake!

Roman opening a few presents