‘A rose by any other name would smell as sweet,’ so says Shakespeare.
I wonder though. Words have power and name words even more so. Our names define us to some degree, they tell who we are, and where we came from. On another level, the meaning of our names can even hint toward a deeper meaning.
Personally, I have changed my nickname over the years to reflect who I am, or who I think I am. I have been Quiet Kathy, Bubbly Katie, Studious Katherine (That one didn’t last long), and now Simply Kate, short and to the point. Each one was ‘me’ for a time. None of us stays the same forever. As we age, our attitude and essence change, hopefully for the better.
How great a God we serve, he knows the names of the stars. He knows when a sparrow falls and he knows the number of hairs on our heads. He has us engraved on his hands. We are ever before him.
‘See, I have written your name on the palms of my hands.’ Is 49:16a NLT
He knew the Pharaoh’s Daughter through all her name changes. He has known me and loved me through all my phases. The names on his hands do not change. They are the essence of us with all our facets and changes.
Who can know us better than God? And who can love us better?
We are God’s children, adopted into his family even as Moses was adopted into the Pharaoh’s family. The difference is, once we are in, no one can cast us out. When Jesus came, all believers became children alongside the Jews.
‘I give them eternal life, and they will never perish. No one can snatch them away from me, for my Father has given them to me, and he is more powerful than anyone else. No one can snatch them from the Father’s hand.’ Jn 10: 28-29 NLT
Whatever name I choose to use, with all my flaws and weaknesses, all my talents and strengths, I am a Daughter of God.
- What are some names you have gone by over the years? How do they reflect you?
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I love this, Kate. Of course, my name has always been an issue. 😉 I tried lots of different names as a kid, but nothing ever stuck…except Mesu. But my favorite name–and the name I hope the Lord calls me when I see Him face-to-face–is “Hephzibah.” It means, “the Lord’s delight.” That’s what I want to be. I want to be His delight. I want Him to see me and hear that name on his lips when I see my reflection–whatever form I take in eternity–in His eyes. Hephzibah…His delight…I can’t think of a more beautiful name….
That would be a good name! I think it is a definite possibility.
FAITH…that is my name, Faith….Over the years I’ve had many people comment on my name, how beautiful it is and do I have faith like my name speaks of? That question has always thrown me off. Do I have faith? I know I do, but just how deep is my faith? Does it run down to my core, to my soul? I have struggled with that question for years and still do to this day. I want that faith that runs through every part of my body, But I don’t think I am there, just yet. i have had nicknames of Faithful(that’s what I want to be) and Faithless..( don’t like that one and do not want to be that) But I know there are times that I am faithless, going without Him, leaving Him behind, letting this world take me away from Him. But because of His grace, I know I will be able to come back to Him and try and be that faithful servant He calls me to be. So, in many ways my nicknames to reflect who I am and who I am trying to become….Faithful to my Lord and Savior,
Faith
We are all faithless at times, good thing he is faithful and patient with us. The day he welcomes us to heaven we will become all that we were meant to be.
I have been always felt blessed that my parents gave me the name of Audrey. I discovered that it is an old-English name out Shakespeare. What made it more special is the meaning; noble strength. It gave me such a desire to live up to it and I knew that it is only through God that I am able to do it. God is my strength and I am a member of His noble family. He has made me worthy. Names were so important back in Bible times and I believe they are still important today. In my life, my name is has really affected the person I have become.
I also believe that names are important. Even when people don’t know the meaning of their name, they will often reflect it anyway. It is a blessing indeed to know what it means, and strive to live up to it.