A Name

Our name is our identity, what people call us, how they view us and we view ourselves.
In ancient times names held the total meaning of the person. If the person changed, the name changed. Abram was changed to Abraham. Sarai was changed to Sarah. Saul was changed to Paul when his eyes were opened to truth and his life completely redirected.

The meaning of names can steer a person to great fulfillment or disaster. It is in seeing the meaning through God's eyes where true identity blossoms. One of my daughter's has a name with what seems to be a negative meaning. I know it is the name we were to give her. The meaning is "noose" which suggests bondage, and negativity. I have seen personalized items with her meaning being "devoted one." A bond can be good or bad. We can bond to Christ and be so devoted and committed that nothing can break the bond. The negative side can be in bondage to darkness and sin. Our name does not drive us. It is the choice to make the meaning into life and health.

Another daughter has a form of Mary as a middle name. The word "myrrh" comes from it. It is interpreted "bitter." Naomi said, "Don't call me Naomi, but Mara(bitter)" Myrrh was a spice used to preserve the dead. It is a very gloomy possibility. We see Mary at the foot of the cross beholding the Son she raised dying a cruel death. Any mother wants to fix things for their kids and make it better. Any mother would do all in her power to rescue and relieve pain. She stood helplessly agonizing in bitter grief. Bitter, deep pain can drive us to more bitter pain to a point where it seems irredeemable. Deep pain when embraced can "enlarge the heart." Ps 119:32. When we identify with Christ, with find identity with a Suffering Savior. In that place, we are comforted(which means "with strength") Rather than choosing to be a bitter person, the bitter pain can drive us to a deep place of identity with Christ.