WHY I NAMED MY SON BALTAH
ABSTRACT
“Names are
usually given for description; others use ugly names to
offend. From the heart of God our creator, comes a blessing
that we don’t deserve. It`s a honour that we should be
bearing, the name of God whom we serve. How great is the
love the father has lavished on us, that we should be called
children of God. “
INTRODUCTION
A word (or words), a
person (place or thing) is known by, or the reputation that
someone has, or the opinion people have about someone
(thing), is generally regarded to as the name of the
subject. To this end, names are designated for identity of
persons as distinct entities. This help to distinguish Paul
from Peter, Anayi from Tiseh, a means of
ameliorating or alleviating the confusion in our confused
chaotic world. Additionally, names
can serve as monuments or reminiscing idols. Also the
act of naming had evolved to depiction of future optimistic
expectations.
HIS NAME IS
BALTAH
Sunday twelfth
September 2010 would serve as birthday to my son Baltah. The
morning began with labour pains beginning 3:00AM,as we took
a rush to Solat Hospital in the heart of
the city of Jos were my wife (Tabitha Kinang Hassan)
delivered. I`ve earlier called my friends Seth Bature and
Dr. Lemech Nabasu, in whose car the conveyance was made. By
about 9:12AM the reality of being a dad downed on me as I
was invited into the labour room by Dr. Clement Ekere my
colleague and classmate who took the delivery. I looked and
behold, a baby boy crying with a melodious tune
reminiscent of symphony of an orchestra. His eyes
glitters as the sun as I saw the fluid in
them akin to the dew s that waters the morning.
As I came out of the
labour room, I told Jummai Hassan my wife`s
cousin that “his name is BALTAH.” This was same message i
passed to my family, friends and well wishers either through
oral route or via text messages. I need not wait for the
rituals of seven days to pass before I declare his name, for
I just did what was done to the saviour in the manger when
he was born. My sister Miriam Kalau Emmanuel who we
left at home to undertake the domestic chores was
glad to know the name same day after birth.
WHY
BALTAH?
Baltah is AMO for
glitter. It depicts the ability of something to shine and
connotes the propensity of a splint to glow. I gave the name
BALTAH that he may radiate the glory of God to our ailing
world. I gave him the name BALTAH that the splendour of
heaven might abide in him. He is BALTAH, for he would shine
like the stars, with unequivocal glamour.” A good name
(indeed) is rather choosing than great riches and loving
favour, rather than silver or gold”. His full name is BLISS
BALTAH BANGAMS. Synonyms to Baltah are: Waltah and Ubaltu.
A POEM
THE NEW BORN
Some noise in the ambience I hear,
A woman in labour pains- dear,
Without restrain, wailing in tears,
Untold was the pain to bear,
Sweet moments, sweet moments,
A gladness I cannot relate,
Sweet moments, sweet moments,
A new born within the home.
It is easy then to recall,
Events of the long time ago,
In a manger a virgin brought
forth,
The baby that saved the world.
My dad use to say to me,
Joy o`whelmed his heart deep in,
My mummy much respect to me,
For you suffered in pains for me,
Same joy through eternity echoes,
In the courts of heaven above,
As a sinner forsakes his route,
And enlists in the family of God.
I wrote and presented this poem when I
was an undergraduate, at the Adventist Students Fellowship
University of Jos, on my birth-day 26th November
2005. It was dedicated to all November babies in the world.
I specially dedicate it today to the
sweet memories of my late mum who passed on to glory o 5th-November
2009. She did not see BALTAH, but we hope someday to
reunite at Christ`s feet.
Dr. INNOCENT EMMANUEL (PELE BANGAMS).