Josiah

Edward “Josiah” Luebben was born around 4:30 on a Sunday afternoon on July 14, 1991.  Josiah is our second son, third child.  We had intended to make his first name Josiah, but my dad thought it would be kind of neat if his first name was Edward, so that his first three grandsons with the “Luebben” last name would be the same as his first three sons.  So, his first name became Edward, but we have always called him Josiah.

The name "Josiah" was taken from a really cool Judean king towards the last days of their kingdom, prior to be conquered by Babylon.  When reading through the Bible in 1981, I became very touched by King Josiah, and his passion for our Lord; so impressed that I asked the Lord if He might someday bless me with at least two sons so that I could call my second son Josiah (read about Josiah in II Kings 22 & 23; II Chronicles 34 & 35, plus a prophecy about him in I Kings 13).  I wanted to name my first son after my brother, Cliff, who had went to be with the Lord back in 1975.  The Bible says about Josiah that no king, before or after him, turned to the Lord with their whole heart and with all his soul and with all his strength (II Kings 23:25), not David, not Hezekiah, amazing!

One decade after being so impressed with this Bible saint, the Lord allowed me to hold my second son, Edward “Josiah” Luebben in my arms.  The doctor commented on how strong Josiah seemed to be at birth, being able to arch his back when we were taking his measurements.  Josiah has was a rugged boy, and now is a rugged young man; but beyond his strength, he is quite scholarly (he is learning Latin, reading John Locke, Adam Smith, CS Lewis, Mark Twain, Charles Dickens, Homer...all for "fun"), musically gifted (guitar, bass, banjo, penny whistle, concertina, harmonica, and bagpipes likely in the near future), and has good business instincts (knows how to stretch a penny, and is keeping an eye out for property to buy and fixup) - our renaissance man.  Josiah has also always been very observant and protective of his family, particularly his younger sister and his mother.

Josiah is also a very hard worker, one summer working three jobs; and yet he also knows how to balance work and studies with fun and adventure.  Now,at age 21, he is taking college courses on-line towards business and accounting degree; yet still balancing plenty of fun with their band, and mini, inexpensive adventures along the way.  He has been taking college courses off and on since age 16.  In all of his activity, adventure, and studies, he has a passionate love of our Lord that is first and foremost in his life.  He recently he shared that he believes the Lord is leading him towards mission service (likely in an adventurous setting, knowing him).

Edward Josiah, son of my name, you are such a special and sensitive, yet rugged young man.  Mom and I pray that the Lord watch over you as you move into this next phase of life; knowing that the Lord has your heart means more to mom and me than anything we could ever imagine.  We love you son.