Saturday, January 12, 2008

And her name shall be called...

Martin Luther is one of my all time heros. Not to be confused with the, "I have a dream...." Martin Luther King; no, go further back to the door of the Castle Church in Wittenberg, Germany where Martin Luther nailed the 95 Theses ~ an act that sparked the Protestant Reformation.


Living in a time when the edicts of the Catholic church were law, when there was no Bible in the common language, when church services were all in Latin, when the common people paid for the privilege of viewing "relics", and were frightened into purchasing "indulgences" for the pardon of sins, Martin Luther "challenged the authority of the papacy by teaching that salvation comes through faith, that Scripture is the sole source of religious authority, and that baptized Christians are a part of a gerneral priesthood". These concepts are widely embraced in today's church, however, in the 1500's they were viewed as heresy, punishable by death ~ most commonly, burning at the stake.



Did you know Martin Luther had a wife???? Yeah, so this renegade monk married a runaway nun! After becoming dissatisfied in their "religion", 12 nuns contacted Martin Luther and asked for his assistance to flee their convent (an offense also punishable by death). Martin Luther had it arranged so that they were smuggled out in herring barrels. Martin later married one of those nuns! She "is often considered one of the most important participants of the Reformation because of her role in helping to define Protestant family life and setting the tone for clergy marriages". She was an incredible woman, standing by Martin Luther's side, risking her own life, in support of his Biblical convictions.


I believe the church today is on the verge of yet another reformation. I believe the Holy Spirit is about to turn Christendom on it's head! So many are already becoming dissatisfied in their "religion", and looking for something MORE. In 1983, Mike Bickle, head of the International House of Prayer, heard the Holy Spirit say that in one generation the definition of church would be changed!!! WOW! That will be the generation of my children. My heart's desire is for them not to be "satisfied" in their Christian walk, but to have an insatiable thirst for more of the heart of the Father through the Holy Spirit.

So, we have decided to name our daughter Kate. In the tradition of Katherina von Bora, the wife of Martin Luther, who left all that was comfortable to her (the abby), to persue more of Christ.

Kate, soon you will be leaving all that is familiar and comfortable to you; but, our prayer is that you will follow hard after God all the days of your life. And, just as Katherina, may you support every reformation birthed through the Holy Spirit!

Kate Ha Mee, we welcome you!!!

6 comments:

Maddie said...

That brings tears to my eyes and a warmth to my heart! Kate is an absolutely beautiful name for an absolutely beautiful little girl!!!

Unknown said...

LOVE IT! May she grow in grace and faith just like her namesake. And if God wills a marriage for Sweet Kate, may her husband be as devoted to her and God as Luther was to his wife and God!
Blessings,
Jill

Brad and Shana said...

After reading the title, I almost couldn't read the post fast enough. I too, love a name with purpose & meaning. Kate is beautiful (both the name and the person). I look forward to a "full circle" moment ahead, when one day she asks, "Mom, why did you name me Kate?"

Shana

PS - How did Tim's mom's surgery go?

Brad and Shana said...

Chelle,

We took the kids to see the VeggieTales Pirate movie today, and they had a preview for a movie coming out this March. Guess what it is.....? Horton Hears A Who. With actors, Steve Carell and Jim Carrey. I hope it stays true to the book, but it just might be a 'go see'. We'll see I guess. Just thought you might find that interesting.

Unknown said...

That is a pretty cool connection. May she be as radical and change her world as much as Kate did 500 years ago. It would be God to use a Korean girl relocated half way around the world to NW Georgia to upset the status quo.

Darien B. Cooper said...

As I read your account of Martin Luther/Kate's stand for righteousness, my heart is freshly stirred that God is doing another radical work in our midst. I praise God for your courage to reach out to fulfill every detail that Father has written in His book not only for your family but also for Kate. I look forward to seeing her playing with the other children on the property. Exciting! Kate come quickly! We love you! Aunt Darien