WHAT'S IN A NAME!?

One thing we learned in South Africa was the importance of a man or woman's name. As they would introduce themselves they would often say, "My name is.... and it means...." It was a little surprising actually at just how many people used that exact phrase when introducing themselves.

While we were there one of our translators, Acts (interesting name for a Christian translator right?) RENAMED some of our American team members based on what he said he saw in us. Wendy was renamed Encouragement (can't say the word in Zulu but that's what it means). Alison's new name meant Joy. Leslie's was Powerful. Acts gave John the "Christian name" of John the Baptist. And Acts said he would rename me Paul because of how assertive and out front I was in presenting the gospel.

My chin dropped...PAUL? Me? I have to say it was an amazing compliment for me to receive. In my mind I've never seen myself as assertive in my faith, but in South Africa I really had a different mindset. Instead of being apprehensive about sharing, I was excited. When giving a mini-message of salvation in front of the kids at the disabled center, I felt the Holy Spirit not the spirit of fear. When singing "One Way Jesus" to the top of my lungs on the ball field and the kids chanted and sang it back, I knew that the Lord was being glorified and praised in this tribe and in this land. I was someone besides myself it seemed. Wow. I still can't get over that someone would see me as Paul-like in my approach to the gospel.

I ask this question though...What's in a name? How much is our name is linked to our personal identity? Or is it linked at all? Why did God see it necessary to change Abram's name to Abraham and Sarai's name to Sarah? What about Saul's name to Paul or Jacob's name to Israel? The Africans put such emphasis on it that it's made me step back and evaluate baby names we are considering. Do we choose a name that means something that will ultimately define our child? Kaitlyn's name means "pure" and if you know anything about Kaitlyn you'd probably agree that the definition really sums her up well. Sarah's name means "Princess" and I won't even touch that one! My name means "Mighty Counselor/Ruler". I like all of those meanings for my family. I want our newest addition to have a great strong name as well.

Picking a baby name is hard enough as it is. Now we are struggling with this new aspect of the name's meaning. Maybe I'm over thinking it too much? I can't get the boy that I met on the playground who told me his name was "Blessed" or the young man at the restaurant that Derrina led to the Lord who's Africa name meant "Give Thanks To God." Oh yes, you may read this and think that I am indeed over thinking this and that it's really just small stuff to worry about. For us in this moment, however, it's a big decision and a huge choice.

What's in a name? Does your name define you? I know a few of you that read this blog so for fun I've put your name's definition below....enjoy!

Kevin...handsome from birth
Chris...follower of Christ
Neal....champion
Margaret...pearl
Paige...Attendant
Brad...broad clearing in the wood
Lydia...a maiden!

You can check out more name meanings on the web at ...http://www.babyhold.com/list/American_Baby_Names/Brad/details/