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from Cossondra In the Bible, a name possessed considerable significance, more than one generally does today. Of course, many people name children purposefully, but I wonder how much thought is put into those choices as the years go by. After last week's newsletter, did you discover the meaning of your name? It really is important. When someone uses your name, they are declaring purpose over you. Let's look at some examples from the Old Testament. First, Nabal. Nabal was a wealthy man who had much land. David and his men were out fighting and desperately required provisions. So he sent to nearby Nabal, reminding him that David had not attacked his land or shepherds, and asked him to supply their needs. However, Nabal means "fool," and he lived up to his name. Not only did he disregard David's request, but he also dispatched a messenger with harsh words for David and his men. Abigail, Nabal's wife, saved the day and intervened, telling David, "For as his name is, so is he; Nabal is his name, and folly is with him:" (1 Samuel 25:25). The rest of the story is a good one if you would like to read more. In another Old Testament example, one of the more notable women in the Bible changes her name to represent better who she is. Naomi, Ruth's mother-in-law, had lost her husband and both of her sons. Naomi means "pleasant," but life had taken a toll on her. When she returned to her hometown with Ruth, she made a declaration to those she knew: "Don't call me Naomi," she told them. "Call me Mara, because the Almighty has made my life very bitter." (Ruth 1:20) Because her life was bitter, she wanted to be called the Hebrew word for how she felt, Mara. Changing names in modern America can be difficult because our names are linked to the ever-growing system. There are untold pieces of information with our names on them, and changing our names is far from easy. I have known only one person in all my years who has changed a given name. He changed it to a Biblical name with a meaning that he feels suits him better than the one he was given. And, I imagine that, if it weren't for the legal paperwork, that might happen more often. My first name means "helper of man." As a youngster, I thought this was silly. However, as I have gotten older, I embrace the idea that God wants me to reach out to others, to come alongside them and help when I can. As clumsy as I often felt with my unusual name as a child, now I would never change it. I love who it says I am, reminding me to embrace my name's meaning. What does your name say about you? Is it something that you identify with? Or would you change it if you could? Do you feel that God speaks to you through your name’s meaning? Next week we will look at people in the Bible who had their names changed for them -- by God Himself.
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