My good parents of fond memory converted from pagan to Christian in 1953. As excited new Baptist parents, they were soon pregnant after 12 years of miscarriage. It was ME.
They had pledged to give Bible names to any upcoming children. And so, my name is Stephen. I wear it proudly — not only to honor this great saint, but it rings with the love of my parents both for me and Jesus Christ.
This image was sent to me from Rome by my good friends Paul and Ellen Badde (author of “The Face of God“). It is from Subiaco Italy. It is my favorite to date.
Acts 7:58-60: Then they cast Stephen out of the city and stoned him. And the witnesses laid down their garments at the feet of a young man named Saul.
And as they were stoning Stephen, he called out, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” And falling to his knees he cried out with a loud voice, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.” And when he had said this, he fell asleep.”