What is in a Name? Part 1

Just a few thoughts about names and what is really behind a name? I for one believe that God knows my baby or little one better than I do. After all in Jeremiah 1:5 "Before I formed you in the womb I knew you." So if God knows my child then he can guide me to a suitable name for my child.

A name is a peculiar thing. It will remain w/ a person until they either marry, or until they die. I for one believe there is a personality definition that accompanies a name. A name is usually the first thing people hear from you after they shake your hand. When you need to sign a document you sign your name. When it is your birthday friends and family will sing to you with your name in the song. Your name if it doesn't describe who you are eventually does become who you are.

After all Jesus has the most powerful name of all. In Philippians 2:9-11 "Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father."

Wow! Now that is powerful. Of course none of are names will be as powerful or descriptive as Jesus name is. However we can bestow on our children names that are strong and courageous and have a powerful force behind them. Mostly b/c of where they come from or what their meanings are.

With all of our children my dh and I took a serious thought into what we should name our unborn child. Of course these days we have to think about popularity and the commonness of the last name. Also is the name or list of names really a fit for the personality of the child or even the personality that we want for our child.

I am blessed to have been able to birth 6 individuals (so far, would welcome more if the Lord chooses). My dh and I have prayed continually over the names we have picked for our unborn child. If it really the best choice of a name we can find. We are so thankful that we have trusted and followed the guidance the Lord has provided. Our children are not only what their names are described or defined as but their personalities are also depicted by their name.

Sometimes though a person will end up with nicknames not at all related to their given name. Friends or family members will give a shortened version of the given name or just give a pet name they personally call the person, ( on a intimate level).

We however can call Jesus many names, either on an intimate level or b/c they are descriptions of his given name. Such as : Wonderful Counselor, Great Physician, Shepherd, Almighty God, Redeemer, YahWeH , Alpha and Omega, King of Kings, Messiah, Sovereign Lord, Prince of Peace and the Everlasting Father. All are descriptions of Jesus character and who he is and continues to be. No other name can compare to HIS name.

Thank you Heavenly Father for giving your son such a wonderful name!