The other night we had the joy of taking our son to see Will and Angie.
Of all the visitors they are receiving, maybe not too many will poop in front of them, or grab onto Will’s finger and just hold it for ten minutes. All while fast asleep. But maybe not many are just 3 weeks old...
Our son was born on March 30, at UCLA, just two floors below the room where Will and Angie were getting ready to head home. We didn't know beforehand if we were going to have a boy or a girl, but when we saw that he was a boy, my husband Rankin went upstairs to tell Will that we’d had a son, and we’d named him William, in his honor. Will has been impressive to us for as long as we have known him—the kind of man you’d hope your son would grow up to be—but even more so as we’ve watched him and Angie walk through this dark valley. His faith, his love for people, his equanimity, his kindness, his peace. And we look forward to our son growing up knowing Will Gray.
So we were eager to introduce Little Will to Big Will (as we call him in our family). The size differential was impressive.
And Big Will had some words for Little Will as he starts out in life:
First he read from the Bible, John 15:12-15
(Jesus speaking) -- "My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. You are my friends if you do what I command. I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you."
Big Will went on to say:
"I want for little Will to be a friend, to learn how to be a friend, to make these words flesh. I want for him to be a friend to those around him, to know how to love and be loved by others, and most especially, Jesus. I want him to be kind, gentle, soft-spoken, slow to anger, strong in conviction, courageous, and smooth. Be a baller. And little Will, don’t be lame."
It was a sweet evening.
And now we’re looking for a "Don’t Be Lame" onesie.
GIVE MONEY
22 Comments
jacinta
June 3, 2013I love you, Will. You are a blessing.
Debra
June 2, 2013I am having some things embroidered. Would love have the onesie made. Any style preference? Size? Color? This journey has God’s greatness all over it!
#GoTeamGray » A Note From Will
May 23, 2013[…] her efforts and belief I am alive! I got to meet lil Will. I’ve been able to see so many of my great friends and family again. This is all such a […]
Autumn and Jay
May 16, 2013LOVE this post!! Sending our continued prayers!
Kristy McNutt
May 14, 2013So AWESOME!!! “big Will” I have EVERY prayer for you and your family! Really could not express anymore concern or how much you have touched SO MANY lives! You are AMAZING…Continue the fight! Love ALWAYS!
Kevin Robbins
May 13, 2013New fundraiser for #goteamgray…. . ” don’t be lame” merch.
Kevin Robbins
May 13, 2013Just curious Morgen, were you friends with Will beforehand, or did you meet at the hospital? Not that it changes anything, great example of a man, your son is named for. Congratulations on the new addition to your family
Dianne E. Carlisle
May 11, 2013I think we all just witnessed another miracle. That little child has been blessed for the rest of his life because his parents knew a friend of Christ. That is so overwhelming and I hope everyone stops to realize what we have all been a witness to. A child of God has given his own blessings to a new child of God. Miracles are happening every where Will goes. We just have to open our eyes. I know we have all asked God “Why Will?” Look at all the lives he is touching and with God’s help changing. Will is the biggest MIRACLE. He and Angie’s love and faith have put lumps in our throats, tears in our eyes, and question in the strength of our own faith. Thank You Will and Angie for allowing God to use you in order that thousands of us see where we need to be in our relationship with God. Peace to You and Yours—–Dianne carlisle
Mary
May 9, 2013Thank you! Precious.
Margaux
May 8, 2013This is so beautiful. And thank you for sharing the pics. Good to see Will!
Annie
May 8, 2013Amazing!!!!
Vicki
May 8, 2013I’m laughing and crying at the same time! We will find this onesie.
Jamie Phillips Durant
May 8, 2013Will and Angie,
I’m not sure if you remember me, but I was at Union when both of you were. I have been following the blog for some time now. Praying for you guys often! Thank you for your strength to share and the encouragement your story brings! -Jamie
MIchael Green
May 8, 2013Love! Love! Love!!!!
Pacific Crossroads Church – The Scope of Worship: Reimagining Service
May 8, 2013[…] Meet Will” – Yesterday, Morgen Wilbourne, Pastor Rankin’s wife, posted this on Will & Angie’s blog. We have been praying for Will & Angie as a community, and we […]
Dexter Williams
May 8, 2013What a blessing both Will’s are to each other. This post has truly blessed and touched me today. Praying for you Will and Angie and your friends and families!
John
May 8, 2013Morgen,
Thanks so much for this beautiful update. You couldn’t have picked a better man for Little Will to model himself after. Thank you for sharing this story. What a tribute to the life Big Will has lived and is living. #goteamgray
Debra
May 8, 2013This update was a blessing. Naming Little Will after Big Will validates my philosophy about names. Include in the child’s name a name of someone so that you can point to the that person and say to the child “you were named after him, because he is a Christian man of character and integrity. He is now part of your heritage.” This situation is probably one of the truest illustrations of that..ever. We continue to pray for God’s miracles and mercy days!!
Ray Pettigrew
May 8, 2013Very cool post. Carry on Big Will!
Harrison Cowan
May 8, 2013Thanks for the post. What a refreshing post to read. God bless you all!!
Jenny K.
May 8, 2013William,
You always give the best advice, and you deserve many namesakes. I love this picture. Praying for you and Angie continuously. I am so blessed to call you friend, and share in this journey of faith and perseverance with you. My friends here are always asking how you’re doing and praying for you. It’s no surprise that your story is impacting so many who don’t even know you personally…that’s just who you are and always have been.
Much love,
Jenny
Carol & Gordon Johnson
May 8, 2013Awwwwwwww. How awesome, Will, you have a namesake!
“Don’t be lame” – Priceless advice…