Two years ago, I was preparing to welcome a new life into the world. My due date was April 9th—Easter Sunday. The timing alone felt like a divine appointment after going through a season of grief. As I walked through that pregnancy, I kept reflecting on the significance of Easter: resurrection, renewal, and hope.
During that season, a particular Bible verse stood out to me. It mentioned a colt—a young donkey—tied up, waiting. It was from the story of Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem:
“Go into the village opposite you, and immediately you will find a donkey tied, and a colt with her. Untie them and bring them to Me.”
—Matthew 21:2 (NKJV)
That verse stirred something in me. The colt wasn’t just a detail—it was part of a prophecy being fulfilled. It symbolized obedience, purpose, and being chosen for something sacred. Even in its youth, the colt carried the King.
The word colt stayed with me, knowing we were looking for a name that started with the letter “C”. I prayed on it, and eventually the name Colter came to mind. It felt strong and gentle all at once. We didn’t know prior to his birth if we’d have a little girl or boy, and we never did settle on a girl’s name
Colt was a name we considered 6 years prior for another child. In my heart, I knew I was meant to have a son named Colt, but when the day came to name that child, Colt didn’t feel right. For a couple of years, I wondered why I had such a strong tie to the name that we never used. I thought maybe someday it would fall to a future grandchild, or a puppy- ha!, since I thought I’d never get to carry another child in my womb.
I praise God that I did get to know the depths of pregnancy and nurturing a newborn again.
This name carries the memory of Easter, of God’s promises, hope after hurt, and of the quiet, powerful ways He uses even the smallest among us for His glory.
So, when my baby boy arrived— 3 days before Easter just as God knew He would, in the most beautiful way, wrapped in love, joy, and peace—I knew without a doubt: his name would be Colter (his brothers names end in “er”.
I’m reminded of that Easter Sunday when we took our 3-day-old baby boy and family to a church so packed full that we watched the service from the church’s basement on a projector. The hope of resurrection, and the tender ways God weaves meaning into our lives.
Colter’s name is more than just a name—it’s a testimony.
If you’re in a season of waiting or walking through something hard, I want to encourage you: hold on to hope. Just like that colt, seemingly unnoticed and tied up, God sees you. He has a purpose for your life that is greater than you can imagine. He can bring beauty out of waiting, joy from sorrow, and life from what feels broken. Easter reminds us that with God, nothing and no one, is ever truly lost—only being prepared for something greater.
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