What's In A Name.....

Two years ago when Brooks and I, surprisingly, found out we were going to have another baby we began mulling over what we would name our precious bundle of joy. We wanted something different, something special, the perfect name. After all you only get one shot to name your baby so you don't want to get it wrong.

It took a lot of deep thought, endless conversations and the opionions of many but we finally narrowed it down to one boy's name and one girl's name. We soon found out we were having a girl and subsequently settled on Shelby Grace. Beautiful isn't it?

I must admit names have always fascinated me. I love looking at baby name books and studying the origin and meaning of each name and I find it fascinating to hear stories of where parents got their child's name and why they named them what they named them. Did they name them after a family member, a favorite movie star or a biblical character? Did they have that name picked out for years or did they wait until after their baby was born to decide on what they would call them?

Growing up I never cared much for my name. I was called everything and anything you can imagine and it always embarrassed me. Now being older and a little wiser (emphasis on a little) I realize just how important and special your name really is. It's amazing how one name can tell an awesome story and can represent so much. I looked up the word Name in the dictionary and found the true definition is as follows:

a word or a combination of words by which a person, place, or thing, a bodyor class, or any object of thought is designated, called, or known;
meredesignation, as distinguished from fact; a reputation of a particular
kind given by common opinion; a distinguished, famous, or great reputation

According to this your name defines who you truly are. People associate your character with your name and to some your name might mean many different things. So a few questions you and I should be asking ourselves are "Am I representing my name in a way that would be pleasing to God?" "What do people immediately think of when they hear my name? Is it good, bad, indifferent?" "Does my name represents the same things at church as it does at work or school?" Proverbs 22:1 states:

"A good name is more desirable than great riches; to be esteemed is better than silver or gold."

Read it again! Let it fill your mind. One of the greatest things we can do for ourselves is to make certain our name symbolizes everything that would define us as Christ-Followers. I want to challenge you all, just as I have done, to take stock of your life and think about what you are representing with your name and make it a high priority to ensure that your name tells a truly remarkable story.

~Kazia~

"I will make you into a great nation and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing." Genesis 12:2