Why my parents named me "JOY"

They were going to name me "Melody"...I'm so glad they didn't. No offense to the "Melody's" of this world, I just wouldn't want to walk around in life with that as my name.

My mom always dreamed that her kids would love music and have a gift for it. Jas plays the drums, Jen sings and plays guitar, my brother plays bass, I sing and play piano...I guess you could say God heard and answered my mom's prayers.

So, where did "JOY" come from? This is actually a very personal reason, but the first time I heard it I was amazed and nearly washed the floor with tears. So, here goes...

I was talking to my Dad one day...in our laundry room of all places...and I had been having a difficult time getting through something and my Dad just looked up and said, "Where's my Joy? I want my Joy-Joy to come back." He instantly directed the conversation into telling me why him and my mom named me Joy.

My mom and dad actually were seperated when my sister Jas was 3 years old...it was a tough time...they were in their early twenties. My mom and Jas started going to Guam Bible Church and my Dad would go to Bayview Baptist...and thanks to Divine Intervention...my mom and dad didn't end their marriage...instead they began the process of working things out. So, my dad started coming to Guam Bible Church too...and it was there that healing began for our family.

And, then my mom got pregnant with me. And, this is where "Joy" comes into play. My dad said, "We named you Joy because you were the "Joy" that brought our family back together again." Then my dad said, "I just want my Joy-girl back."

And, yeah...that's why my parents named me "JOY"...I love you mom and dad.