What's Your Name?

The words on this gal’s shirt captured my attention at my grandson’s baseball game: "Sarcasm -- just one more service I offer". And indeed that's what she offered. I couldn’t believe my eyes that she’d wear a shirt like that and neither could I believe the sarcasm that she had. It was evident that she wore that shirt with pride. I thought to myself, why would she want to call herself that or would want to speak of herself in that way? How about a t-shirt that said “Encourager” or “Cheerleader” or “Proud Mom” or even “Free Hugs”?

Then, I thought about a precious little child that I saw wearing a t-shirt with the words "I'm a little monster." Sure, that child might be a little mischievous, but by no means does that merit being called a monster. Whoever gave her that shirt, is labeling her "a monster"! What are they thinking?

Then I thought about the inspiring words of our close and dear friend, Zig Ziglar, who led the way in optimism, speaking on-purpose words that would build up others, and who wrote the best-selling books, “Born to Win”, “See You at the Top”, “Staying Up, Up, Up in a Negative Word”, “Raising Positive Kids in a Negative World” and so many more “what you say, is what you get kind-of-books”. Obviously, that baseball mom and the one who put a “monster” t-shirt on their child never read any of those books because they were speaking the complete opposite of positivity. Zig said these words in his talks and books:

“There is power in words. What you say is what you get.”
“The greatest source of happiness is to be grateful at all times.”
“You can get everything in life you want if you will just help enough other people get what they want.”
“Your attitude, not your aptitude, will determine your altitude.”
“You were born to win, but to be a winner, you must plan to win, prepare to win, and expect to win.”

Our family gleaned so much from Zig's mentorship and leadership style. We raised our two children on his faith-filled, action-filled words. But, even more to the point is the Bible which says "As a man thinks in his heart, so is he." (Proverbs 23:7) And, talk about name-calling, how do you like the names that God calls us? Blessed, beloved, friend, child of God, chosen one, righteous one, princess, beautiful, blameless, light of the world, holy, royal priesthood, redeemed. So, as children of Almighty God and made in His image, shouldn't we be calling ourselves, and those around us, names that build up and encourage?

Our reality may just be what we're calling to ourselves. If we want and desire a life of joy, contentment, peace, and love, doesn't it make sense that we do our best to promote it in every way possible? If we want our children to be confident, feeling loved and embraced, shouldn't we be calling them champions? World Changers! History Makers! Brilliant! Smart! Precious!

What's Do They Think When They Hear Your Name?

One of the many perks of my residence here in Frisco, TX is that my sweet cousins, Charles & Mary Ellen Snow, live in the same community as me. Just a couple of days ago we spent nearly three hours “remembering” so many family traditions and moments, while looking at old photos and doing our best to remember names. We were laughing when we thought about the names of the 12 children of our grandparents: Mary Ellen’s mom was Shaddie Ruth, my mom, Edna Pearl, and then there was Lillie Mae, Bonnie Lou, Lassie Jo, John (Johnnie) Wooldridge Jr., Adrian N., Napoleon Bonaporte (NB for short), Robert Carroll, Sam Houston, and Donald. Whew!! Can you imagine keeping up with a clan like that?

The fact is: 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. They are the first thing someone knows about us. 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 children’s names wisely and carefully -- make sure it's what they desire to see their child become.

My 2nd grandson is named Barrett Wuerch (the Wuerch name comes from German ancestry) and Barrett, in German, means "mighty as a bear”. We've called him "Bear" over the years, and he's known as "Bear" by most everyone. I often remind him of the significance of what "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’ve given him several bear figurines over the years to keep reminding him of his destiny. Names are such a big deal – we all remember the many hours of decision-making about what our children’s names should be. The fact is 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. (Jeremiah 1:5)

On many occasions, I’ve looked up friends and family members names to help them appreciate who they are and who they can become. If you don’t know already, look up your name (now it’s easy on the internet) and see how your personality and character traits measure up to that name. It’s astounding to see the parallels. I doubt that my mom and dad paid much attention to my name’s meaning – my sister named me, but it turns out my name, Donna means “lady” and Sue means “graceful lily”. Maybe, at times, it’s debatable whether those definitions best describe me, but I like to think, being a graceful lily lady is what God would like me to strive for daily.

Whether you are a Tom, Dick or Harry or a Mary, Sally or Sue……your name is the best thing going for you IF you treasure it and realize that every action, reaction, character flaw or character strength, honorable act or shameful act are remembered when others hear your name. Don’t we want our name to be synonymous with "a good name"? “A good name is to be more desired than great riches; favor is better than silver and gold.” – Proverbs 22:1

What Do You Think of When You Hear a Name?

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!