I believe in the power of a name.
As an elementary teacher, I’ve often joked that I could write a book titled “What NOT to Name Your Child.” Chapter One? Don’t name your child after an attribute! We’ve all met a Joy or a Grace who wasn’t exactly joyful or gracious. And if you’ve named your child “Treasure,” why do they feel like anything but? Or maybe you gave your kid a name with such a unique spelling that no one can pronounce it. Why?!
All jokes aside, I really do believe that words have power and meaning—and so do names.
In the Bible, God changed people’s names when He gave them new purpose. Abram became Abraham. Jacob became Israel after wrestling with an angel of God. (What a wild moment. That Jacob was bold!)
When it came to naming our own children, my husband and I were meticulous. We made lists, looked up meanings, tested out combinations for months before making each decision. So naturally, I knew that naming this blog was going to take some prayer and time, too.
I tried out a lot of names, but none of them quite fit. Eventually, I landed on Here in the Ruin—and it felt exactly right. There are two big reasons behind it.
1. Our long-awaited trip to Italy.
Back when Brennan and I first got married, we dreamed of traveling to Europe together. We made a five-year plan… and then I got pregnant. We tried again for our ten-year anniversary and even booked plane tickets and hotels—for March 2020. (Covid, anyone?) Yeah. That’s a time I wouldn’t mind erasing from memory.
But finally—finally—in April 2024, we made it. We walked hand-in-hand through the literal ruins of the Colosseum, Pompeii, and more. It was beautiful, meaningful, and deeply inspiring. I don’t want to forget that experience. And I don’t want to forget any part of this journey—the everyday and the extraordinary. This blog is my way of documenting both.
2. The song that speaks to my soul.
Some of you may recognize the phrase “Here in the ruin” from a Maverick City Music song called “The Story I’ll Tell.” It’s one that’s carried me through hard seasons. The lyrics say:
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