Jackson Doss Pruitt

My nephew was born this week! Wow, my heart is so full. Jackson Doss Pruitt was born on March 2, 2012. He will be called Doss and that is such a great name! Doss is a "family name" and I know that he will represent it well. It is my Nana's maiden name on my mom's side of the family. I was also really close to my great grandmother, Edna (Gamma) too. My great grandfather, Harold Jackson Doss Sr was killed prior my being born, but I have heard so many amazing things that he did while he was alive. My great-uncle Harold Jackson Doss Jr and my uncle Randle (Randy) Doss Hurst all share these names. My brother's full name is William Jackson Pruitt. Pruitt, of course is our family name. So happy to have Mallory, and now Doss who share this name.

I can also remember growing up, how close Will and I are with our aunts and uncle. The first time I ever drove a car was sitting in my aunt Allison's lap, all of 6 or 7 years old, steering while she pushed the gas. We didn't go fast and it wasn't but maybe 10 or so feet, but it was fun! My uncle Randy has always been like a big brother and we have always found a way to have a good time! So many great memories and I can't wait to make some with Doss!

God has shown me a great deal of comfort and peace while I am away. I am thankful and grateful to Him for everything He has given. Including the birth of Doss! Doss also has newly minted grandparents who will not spoil him at all I am sure. If they don't then Mallory's sister, Lindsey and/or I will make sure that we spoil him as well! My prayer is that we all reflect Christ to Doss as he is "fearfully and wonderfully made." Psalm 139:14. Actually, the entire Psalm 139 is my prayer for all of us!

My first name is Thomas, and I am named after my grandfather (Papa), Thomas Hurst. He passed away prior to Doss getting here, but I will be sure to tell him stories of this great man. His poise, demeanor, serving others and the way he loved the Lord are all qualities that he and my dad both share. My prayer is that Doss will grow up to be like him and my dad. My grandfather was so proud of Will & me, and I know that both my dad and Mallory's dad are so proud of Doss!

Doss was actually born on Dr. Seuss's birthday. How cool is that?! It's right up there with me sharing my birthday with Will. So little man, from the words of Dr. Seuss himself..."Today you are You that is truer than true. There is no one alive who is You-er than You." One of my favorite books by Dr. Seuss was his last one that he wrote. It's called, "Oh the Places You'll Go!" Here are some quotes from that book that encourage me about Doss. There are some great life lessons here too.

"Oh, the Places You'll Go!"

"Congratulations!

  Today is your day!

  You're off to great places!

  You're off and away!"

Doss you have been created by God and I am so happy that you are here! Psalm 127:3, "Behold, 'children are a heritage from the Lord...'"

"You're off to great places!

  Today is your day!

  Your mountain is waiting. 

  So... Get on your way."

The great thing is that I will be there with Doss, and we will have so much fun together! The much much greater thing is that he has a heavenly Father who will be with Doss too! It's hard to imagine that He loves this little guy more than any of us could. Thank you God for your love. Jesus said, "let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven." My prayer is that God reveals Himself to Doss and that he grows in Truth.

Please also pray that Doss will get to go home soon! He came a month early and is spending a little time in the NICU. I get a report almost daily and I hear that he is growing stronger with each minute. I am resting in the truth of knowing that God has made all things, and He is at work in all the details of our lives. John 1:3. Even all the little hairs that are on Doss's head! Luke 12:7.