Papa dreamed of you. We were speaking of forming a family and what that would look like even before we were married. We were on the subject of kids. He tells me, “I had a dream.” I asked him to tell me more. He said, “It was like we had a baby girl and we were supposed to name her Gabrielle. It was like someone was instructing me that was what we needed to do.” We talked some more. I told him that I thought it would be good to plan to name our first girl Gabrielle just to be sure that we followed those instructions. Papa told me he felt pretty sure we would have more than one girl and that Gabrielle was to be the second. See? Papa dreamed of you in his spirit.
When I was pregnant with you I felt very strongly in my spirit that I needed to pray for you. I was to pray for your protection because there is a call on your life that would be challenged. Every day you grew inside of me I took up intercessory prayer and spoke the truth of the Word of God over your life by way of about two dozen scriptures of promise of life and goodness. I believe that the calling God has on your life will not be foiled but will come to fruition.
Your first name, Gabrielle, we found out later is the feminine form of Gabriel. Gabriel was the messenger angel mentioned in the Bible. The name means: valiant and mighty warrior. Since the day of your birth you have been one to take charge and go forth with your ideas. You are not one to bend easily in the face of opposition. At times it would seem that conflict energizes you. I know that as you grow this mighty and valiant nature of yours will make you a woman of force to be contended with. I am honored to know you because I believe that you will do great things with your life.
Moriah is your middle name. The spelling is that of the mountain region found in the bible. It is the place where Abraham was instructed to take his son Isaac and a beautiful image of redemption is shown to us when the ram in the bushes is offered up rather than the boy. Some have speculated that this hill is the same Golgotha where Jesus was offered as a redeemer for the sins of all humanity. Sweet dear daughter, I pray that the realities of redemption are carried in your heart. I pray that when God asks of you a sacrifice you willingly lay at His feet that treasure.
You are a giving and generous child. You have found joy in presenting gifts to others. This is an ability that comes directly from our Redeemer God. He gives us of Himself lavishly every day, gifts undeserved and precious. You were a gift he gave to me. I am glad to see that you are following this character trait of your Heavenly Father and Maker.
I love you dearly, Gabrielle Moriah.
August 12, 2008, Gabrielle's 7th birthday, Cochabamba, Bolivia
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{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
I gotta say, Gabrielle makes me smile every time I think of her. I remember going to the room you guys have for us,as I went to unlock the 1st door I saw a dandelion on the window. Til this day I do not know for sure who put it there, but my first thought was “Thank you Gabrielle!” She wants to help with things no one else would volunteer to help with…like cleaning my room. Ahhhh. She is such a sweet girl. I can’t agree with you more, she is a force to be contended with
She’s a fire ball…and I agree that God has a great call on her life! Reading all these posts makes this faith girl feel like she needs to start praying for her future kiddo/s.
Thanks for the inspiration!