He’s Here!

Meet our Warren Joseph.

A son. So different from the responsibility and privilege of raising a daughter, and yet so distinctly precious.

Savannah was the first of a new generation for our family. She made us parents and taught us the Father’s love like we’d never experienced it before. She showed us the necessity of shaping identity early in a child’s life and how everything we do in this life is driven by the understanding of our own. She was an everyday example of the joy we are created to live with, the kind that comes from knowing just who we are. Charlie was the first for our family after loss. She taught us how to stand back up and carry on stronger, more resilient, and yet more compassionate than ever before. Now Warren is the first of a new generation in passing on the Miners family name. The first baby boy born to the Miners family in 37 years. I feel the weight of God’s glory here.

So many men prioritize their first name over their last name. They care more about personal success than enduring legacy.  Warren means watchmen, or defender. Justin and I commit to teaching Warren the honor of carrying and defending the Miners name, like his father and grandfather before him. He also carries his maternal grandfather’s name and legacy, Joseph Merriam, as well as the memory of his late uncle- Justin’s brother- Rocky Joseph. We pray over him all the best qualities of the men we love. The ones who have spent their lives building us up. We pray that he represents the fulfillment of prayers offered over generations of Merriam and Miners men and that he will understand that, sometimes, the answers to his own prayers may not be seen in his lifetime but throughout his lineage. This is a worthy and weighty calling. We are not just passing on inheritance, but heritage.

And, just like God stepped outside cultural norms to honor women in the days of patriarchal societies, there was another Miners whose legacy we wanted to honor. A true Proverbs 31 woman. Justin’s Nanny. OUR Nanny. Ruth Warren Miners, formerly Martha Ruth Warren. 

Nanny has three children, five grandchildren, and now seven great grandchildren. Together with Justin’s grandfather, she opened and managed several general stores when general stores were the grocery stores of the day. She formed personal relationships with the regulars and called them friends instead of customers. They came to buy their meat and cash their checks but ended up bringing even their most personal questions and prayers. Nanny was the first call when the local doctor held an adoptable newborn baby in his arms (a life goal for this Mama since the day she heard the story. Oh, to be known for that kind of fierce love). She was the grandmother whose house all the grandkids gathered at, and she made sure there were always fresh homemade cakes waiting for them there. She didn’t mind that her expensive gold jewelry had bite marks in it because that meant her lap was full of her teething grand babies. She had a big hand in raising Justin, and in Justin and I being able to give Savannah the life she deserved. She is the matriarch of the Miners, and she does it with a grace unmatched. 

We pray Warren will remember not only the family name he carries, but also this example of the strong, godly kind of woman he’ll want by his side to honor, defend, and do life with one day.

Welcome to the world, Warren! You bring so much honor to your family. We love you, little man!