Ashley…Mommy….Mrs. Baker….Dr. Baker…ma’am (sometimes hey you!). So what truly is in a name? It’s an identifier of sorts, right? It’s not always unique when you have a common name like Ashley Baker, but it does help identify yourself to the outside world. But what about the inside? Does Ashley communicate anything to you about who I am as a human being….my personality, my desires, my fears?
My name may not resonate with you because you have no idea who I am (if you stumbled upon this blog without knowing who I am, thank you for joining us!). Or you may be one of the few who reads this very new blog (hey, Mom!) and by my name know way too much about me!
Yes, in my opinion, names matter. They are important. And as you develop a relationship with someone, their name often times has a visual image or an emotion attached to it. These attachments may be positive….or they may be negative. Teachers know exactly what I’m talking about. Just have a conversation with an expectant teacher about their baby name selection process. It’s virtually impossible. Johnny? No, had one in my class. Michael? Nope, can’t do that either. It goes on. And on. And on….And some have had names that were passed on to them because of a long lineage of tradition.
But let’s take this a step further. My name is VERY important to me because it is my legacy. It now represents who I am, what I believe in, and the life I have lived. It’s a name for ME. I want my life to mean something to those in which I have the privilege of connecting with during my lifetime.
But do you know what saddens me? What breaks my heart? It’s when we start using names and throwing around labels for people that are so very hurtful. Why?? For what purpose? These derogatory names and words (often times written on a screen) are meant to cause harm or to prove a point or put someone in their place. Can we just pause for a moment?
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Has anyone convinced another person through FB to change their view of an issue or person by posting negativity all over their newsfeed? Can we all just STOP!!! I mean, for the love of all sanity can we just stop? And I don’t care what other people are doing or saying. We can’t control other people. But if you are reading this right now, can we hold one another accountable to not spew hate or ugly words in anyone’s direction? It. Is. Not. Ok. We must re-learn what respect looks like and let me tell you I’m going to need to be intentional about this in my own life. I know, it’s hard not to retaliate, fight back, get that last word in. But name calling and disrespectful behavior are NOT the answer.
On the other hand, names can be such profound blessings. Do you want to know my greatest name? My best title? My most cherished label? It’s “Child of God.”
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Isaiah 43:1
“But now, this is what the Lord says—
he who created you, Jacob,
he who formed you, Israel:
‘Do not fear, for I have redeemed you;
I have summoned you by name; you are mine.’”
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So what truly is in a name? I think a lot more than we care to acknowledge. Let’s use names to define others, and internally for ourselves, that are precious in His sight. We were all created in His image. He calls us by name. His Name is above all names. Let’s turn our eyes upon Jesus and reflect His glory in the words in which we choose to label others:
mama, father, friend, helper, healer, provider, person who thinks differently than me, supporter, CHILD OF GOD!
In Him,
Ashley
“This is the day the Lord hath made, let us rejoice and be glad in it.”
~Psalm 118:24
Come To the Table Ministry 