“A good name is more desirable than great riches; to be esteemed is better than silver or gold.”
Proverbs 22:1 (NIV)
Growing up, I didn’t like my name. When said aloud, it sounds gender-neutral and for some reason, people assume I’m a man. The spelling is different, but it doesn’t matter. Sounds like a guy name so I’m a guy. People say this a lot, “Oh, I was expecting a man”. Sorry to disappoint you??
The Questions
I get called Mr. a lot in correspondence. I’ve put a title on my email signature. People assume I want to be addressed with the title. No, no I’m just letting you know I’m a girl.
My name also gets a lot of questions. “Is that your REAL name?” “Is it short for something?” “Why did your parents name you that?”
The Changes
Life goes on and my name changes. “Sister” and “Mom” and whatever pet name my husband chooses to call me are my names. I read that there are people who have one name as a child and then another name as an adult. I think that happens just as a part of life with no planning.
At this time in my life I’m getting older and don’t think I’ll pay to change it. I remember the trouble of changing to my married name. Changing a given name must be a nightmare.
As I age my name is like a favorite shirt. It’s soft. It feels right. It’s comfortable. It’s me.
When given a hard time about my name, I should look to these verses and look to the “Name Above all Names”.
“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 acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”
Philippians 2:9-11 (NIV)
Let’s all remember that name and say a prayer of thanksgiving to the one who names us all!
Love this…my friend Jimmy legally changed her name to Jennifer…took me 3 years to be comfortable saying it…now it is easy and makes her so happy. I like my name as an adult but not so much growing up. No one spelled correctly (still don’t)…Freida, Frieda, Freeda, or accidently leave off the a and it’s Fred. I receive junk mail addressed to Mr.Fred. I identify!
It isn’t easy, but Dad wanted to honor his Uncle so I was going to get that name no matter what. Good to know I’m not alone! Thaks for the comments!