I love looking up the meaning of people's names. In fact, as a gift to a group of women not long ago, I gave them each a card that included their name, the character quality of their name and a scripture verse that goes with their name, like those pictured here. In fact, I love helping new parents understand the meaning of the name they're choosing or have chosen for their child.

Throughout history, a person's name was very important. In Biblical times, a person's surname linked them to their genealogy and even their first names often described their circumstances. For example, Abraham, Father of Many Nations.

When King Solomon said these words, "A good name is better than a good ointment" (a sweet smelling savor), he was speaking about their character. In ancient days, perfumes were very costly and a good name (not referring to the actual name, but their character) didn't compare in value.

We can certainly put on perfume or aftershave and we'll smell good for a short time, but a good name is lasting. It stays with us wherever we go, in every setting in life. We hear "Hitler" and we think a notorious, ruthless, diabolical dictator and murderer. We hear "Mother Teresa" and we think a loving, compassionate, giving caring, and servant of true character and honor.

What do people think when they hear your name? Is it good or bad? I have good news. When we connect and stay connected to God and desire to become like Him in character and integrity, we'll start becoming like Him, regardless of the name our Mom and Dad chose for us. Let's live in such a way, that if someone spoke badly of us -- no one would believe it!

Names are Important -- They Define Us

Names are important. They have power. They define us. They’re more than a bunch of letters grouped together to sound pleasant to the ear. Names are more than a convenience allowing us just to know each other. Names are a gift from God, and they contain His power. Remember Abraham (father of many nations)? And yes, that's who he became. Every time God, and others, spoke his name, they were adding to the potential of His name. He DID become father of many nations.

We realized that, when we chose Ryan as our son's name -- it means "little king", and our daughter's name, Staci, means "resurrection life", and indeed we have watched how the names we chose, have "marked" their character and destiny. I encourage soon-to-be moms and dads to choose their child's name wisely and carefully -- make sure it's what they want to see their child become.

My grandson, that just graduated high school, is named Barrett Wuerch (Wuerch is a German name, coming from German ancestry) and Barrett, in German, means "bear strength". We've called him "Bear" over the years, and he's known as "Bear" by most everyone. I thought it would be fitting at this very significant time, to find out just what the significance of "Bear" means. I wasn't surprised when I saw the meaning, and so thankful we see him with these qualities now, and in the future. I was also drawn to a bear family figurine to give him as one of his graduation gifts from Nana -- to go with the words. Yes, our family makes celebrations of each other a "big deal". We are "big deals" to God, and that's what matters most. The fact is.....He knew us when we were still in our mother's womb.....and He set us apart....to be difference makers in our world. I just know that's what our "Bear" is going to do!

The Bear represents:
Strength, Might, Honor, Confidence, Wisdom, Bravery, Protection, and Love.
A bear is a strong animal with great parenting instincts. In Native American culture, the bear is as free in spirit as the great wind, standing against adversity; taking action and leadership.

Bear sure sounds like a WINNER to me!Names are important. They have power. They define us. They’re more than a bunch of letters grouped together to sound pleasant to the ear. Names are more than a convenience allowing us just to know each other. Names are a gift from God, and they contain His power. Remember Abraham (father of many nations)? And yes, that's who he became. Every time God, and others, spoke his name, they were adding to the potential of His name. He DID become father of many nations.

We realized that, when we chose Ryan as our son's name -- it means "little king", and our daughter's name, Staci, means "resurrection life", and indeed we have watched how the names we chose, have "marked" their character and destiny. I encourage soon-to-be moms and dads to choose their child's name wisely and carefully -- make sure it's what they want to see their child become.

My grandson, that just graduated high school, is named Barrett Wuerch (Wuerch is a German name, coming from German ancestry) and Barrett, in German, means "bear strength". We've called him "Bear" over the years, and he's known as "Bear" by most everyone. I thought it would be fitting at this very significant time, to find out just what the significance of "Bear" means. I wasn't surprised when I saw the meaning, and so thankful we see him with these qualities now, and in the future. I was also drawn to a bear family figurine to give him as one of his graduation gifts from Nana -- to go with the words. Yes, our family makes celebrations of each other a "big deal". We are "big deals" to God, and that's what matters most. The fact is.....He knew us when we were still in our mother's womb.....and He set us apart....to be difference makers in our world. I just know that's what our "Bear" is going to do!

The Bear represents:
Strength, Might, Honor, Confidence, Wisdom, Bravery, Protection, and Love.
A bear is a strong animal with great parenting instincts. In Native American culture, the bear is as free in spirit as the great wind, standing against adversity; taking action and leadership.

Bear sure sounds like a WINNER to me!