My Names

My first name means “princess”. Those who know me well would probably laugh at how that “shoe fits”. The meaning of a princess has changed with time though. Of course, it used to carry a sense of entitlement with all of the royal treatment I deserved. Today, it’s more of a sense of position…appointed to serve. Remember the movie “Robin Hood - Prince of Thieves” with Kevin Costner? The character of Maid Marion captured what a princess means to me…a kingdom representative with a responsibility to steward what is given. 

My middle name means “consecrated to God”. I haven’t always understood that meaning. Further study at one point revealed an expounding to mean “belonging to God”, but it was actually an uncle of mine who researched more of the Hebrew origin of the name to reveal its fullness. It means “belonging to the God who is more than enough for me”. That has been a needed reminder in my life…a promise that I actually rehearse when things feel out of control.

My negative self-naming has revolved around quantity of worth or burden. Bad decisions in my past and rejections and reactions of others have offered terrible confirmations. I’ve either been “not enough” or “too much”. How else could I explain the things that didn’t work out unless it meant a flaw in my own self? Man, I’ve been cruel and shaming with those false names. My own worst enemy.

God doesn’t agree with those negatives though. He often reminds me so. He calls me an “original”. He reminds me that He is more than enough for me. I’m learning the dance moves from Him as we waltz through this life together.

What did your name study reveal?

Discovering the Who of Me - Part 3

Let’s be honest. Not all names are nice. In fact some names are VERY negative…designed to spit on identity more than affirm it. 

Honestly, some on my most insulting names have been self-inflicted. Yep, I’ve sometimes been my own worst enemy. 

1. What have been your negative names? 

2. Who assigned them to you? Why? 

Is it ok to acknowledge that our negative names are false? Sure, some may have been born out of poor choices. Some from all-out lies. But those names are NOT the truest depiction of the Who of You! 

Begin to release your ownership of those names. 

In fact…if you are of a spiritual persuasion…ask the divine for an exchange of names. Speak out the story of the negative name, acknowledge your adoption of it as a description of you, and ask for a replacement. Quiet your soul and listen to the rhythms of heaven. In time you will hear the replacement. 

Enjoy. 

Discovering the Who of Me - Part 2

There’s so much in a name. Cultures all over the world and throughout time have used names as a declaration of identity. Our American culture isn’t usually focused on meaningful naming. Even still it’s fun to investigate our names. 

1. What is the story with your name? All of your names! Were you named after someone or because of someone or something? Find out!

2. Does your name have an original meaning? Is it derived from a word with meaning? 

3. How about nicknames or pet names? What circumstances or individuals contributed to those names?

Spend some time considering, researching and writing about what you discover. Are there any fun hints or affirmations about the “Who of You”?

Enjoy. 

Discovering the Who of Me - Part 1

I think we all end up in this place eventually. Maybe even more than once. 

Moments…a dark night of the soul perhaps…when we just don’t know who we are anymore. That or at minimum feel disconnected from a sense of purpose. 

I’ve been feeling this way recently. Aware of how busy life has become, running from work responsibilities to church responsibilities to family responsibilities …no time for self…just exhausted disorientation. 

Add to that some chapters coming to a close for others…creating wonderings if my chapters need to come to a close too…I’m confused about who I am in this season of life and if my doings need to change. 

So I’m taking a journey of discovery. I’m going to create little challenges for myself to reconnect and rediscover. 

Discovering the Who of Me…

“I think you should start writing again.”

 I wrote our Christmas letter for this holiday season. We decided to get more real with what we communicated so it was more than just the typical highlights. We decided to include how some of our paradigms have changed in the last year. 

1. A shift away from a punishment-oriented grid applied to the story of Jesus (more authentic New Covenant)

2. A critique of Christian nationalism that we see rising in the evangelical church

I know…nothing says Merry Happy Ho-Ho like a good boat-rocking. 😇

We received some feedback of course…some questioning, some affirming. Fine by me though!

When it was all said and done, my husband said that he thought I should start writing again. A little “real” in writing again. 

So…here goes.