Dove’s Eyes

When I announced what we were going to name our daughter after we found out we were having a girl, I told you all that Rayah comes from a Hebrew word in the Bible used only in the book of Song of Songs, which is usually translated as “my love” or “my darling” and which literally means “intimate companion”.  We feel like Rayah has a special invitation from the Lord for intimacy and friendship with Himself that we are excited to teach her about!  My favorite verse where it uses this sweet term of endearment is found in Song of Songs 1:15…

“How beautiful you are, my darling! Oh, how beautiful! Your eyes are doves.” (NIV)

“Behold, you are fair, my love! Behold, you are fair! You have dove’s eyes.” (NKJV)

Along with our desire for Rayah to experience deep intimacy with her Beloved Bridegroom, it is also our hope that she will have a deep understanding and revelation of her beauty before Him.  My prayer is that she will not have to struggle with issues of self-esteem or insecurity, but that she will be confident knowing that the very Creator of the universe says she is fair, flawless, and captivating to His heart!  In my study of this verse, I have also learned that “when a dove fixes its gaze upon its mate, it is not distracted by any activities around it.  Therefore, it is often referred to as being a ‘love bird.’” (Wade E Taylor) I pray that Rayah, too, will have this singleness of vision that has her eyes fixed upon Jesus at all times. 

Just days before Justice was born, I made him a painting, which I will perhaps share in another blog post, but when it was coming time for Rayah’s arrival, I decided to paint her this picture as an image of her name.