“Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into Christ Himself, who is the head.” – Ephesians 4:15
What’s in a name? Have you ever thought about the name you have been given? Does it fit who you are? Have you become “your name”?
I’ve known some people who’ve been given a “new name” because the one they had been given at birth was not the right one for who they are to become and grow into. So God gave them a new name that fits who He always intended them to grow into.
What about a business name? There is much depth and representation to that name, isn’t there?
I’ve been thinking on this, really over the last year or so… how we grow into our names, and sometimes if our name isn’t fitting into who we are to be(come), that name will change into something we can grow into, who we are to become. It sounds strange, but I would be so thankful for that if I were in that situation, wouldn’t you? I feel there is much depth to the name we are given. I’m thankful for the name I have been given, because I do feel that it’s fitting for my life.
“Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation…” – 1 Peter 2:2
Have you ever researched the meaning behind the name you have been given? Do you feel that it represents who you are? Or perhaps who you would like to see your self grow into?
I researched the meaning of my name last year and it was interesting to me what I discovered and how that did go along with some of the things the Lord was showing me, about who I am and who I was created to grow into.
Heather – “small shrubs, pink or white flowers that grow in rocky areas. A flowering evergreen that thrives on peaty barren lands.”
Heather means “flow·er·ing” (of a plant) in bloom.
-capable of producing flowers, especially in contrast to a similar plant with the flowers inconspicuous or absent.
-producing flowers at a specified time or of a specified type.suffix: -flowering “winter-flowering heathers”
I know that this is what the Lord wants for my life, which is part of the definition of the word “flowering”:
“To be in or reach an optimum stage of development; develop fully and richly.”
Michelle (middle name) – “who is like God”, “close to God” in Hebrew, “gift from God”
(This is God’s will for my life, to become more and more like Christ.)
Ruff (my maiden last name) – “one dwelling on or by a patch of rough, uncultivated ground”
Barr (last name) – “height” or “hill”
(Where I am headed, where the Lord is taking me, higher into His ways and on the journey toward my heavenly home.)
“In Him the whole building is fitted together and grows into a holy temple in the Lord.” – Ephesians 2:21
Our names are given to us sometimes even while we are in the womb, sometimes just as we are born. These are just some thoughts that came to mind this morning, that got me thinking back to when I researched the depth of my name. How interesting that I can now relate so much to the meaning of my name, when I never really did before, how I can begin, at 33 to see what the Lord is now “birthing” within my life, polishing the tarnish away so that I can begin to see these qualities of my given name, “coming to life” in my life. I know He planned it that way all along.
Have you ever noticed the times the Lord renamed certain people in the bible when their name didn’t line up with who they were created to become? I find that fascinating… God must have known that an unfit name wouldn’t carry them into who they were created to be, before the foundations of the earth. So He fixed that.
“No longer shall your name be called Abram, But your name shall be Abraham; For I have made you the father of a multitude of nations.” – Genesis 17:5
I think of this verse, keeping in mind that it does represent our “reputation” but I also do think of what the name we have been given can represent… what we are called, what we call ourselves, and many times what others “call us” can, in a sense give “birth” to characteristics and grow us into that “name” – whether it is a good name or a not so good name. If that makes any sense at all…
“A good name is more desirable than great riches; to be esteemed is better than silver or gold.” – Proverbs 22:1
Father, I thank You that You have given me a “good name”, You simply call me “Your child”, and You have only good things to speak over me, to say about me. I want to agree with that, Father – I want to become and grow into the “name” You have given to me, for my life. Thank you!
-Heather ?