What Did You Call Me?
There are names that roll off the tongue. I had an art teacher in grade school named Fanoula Vidalakis. Our travel agent’s name is Cristina Battaglia. Both names are so musical!
Some names, like our foster son’s last name, are a trial for me to remember how to spell. I still have to carefully think through which vowel goes where.
Some people, like my mother, hated her name. She unofficially changed her paperwork to something different than the original Larona Fadabelle which often caused us problems on official paperwork. Add to that the real birth surname and the step-dad’s, and I never knew what to sign the paperwork when I took over her business.
Though my name was and is often mispronounced, I always loved the names and their meanings. Before their births, our girls’ first and middle names received careful consideration. Their last name was thrown at them almost daily in a classic, constant ‘mother nag’ as they left the house. ‘Remember, you are a Huddleston girl!’ With that came responsibility and expectations to behave appropriately.
When I write my novels, sometimes, the names just appear. At other times, especially with the main characters, names are chosen with special attention.
When I found a medical assistant’s son was named Stetson, I looked for an appropriate cowboy book as a gift for the little man. Imagine my delight when I found a book with a relative’s name in it!
Names are important. These days, I’m always signing papers to release information or agree to some procedure or another. By signing those documents, I am committing myself to a certain monetary pledge, allowing someone to act on my behalf, or permitting a person whom I may or may not know or trust to do things to me or for me beyond my skill level.
A name brings to mind a person’s attributes, personality, or job description. Memories of interactions are associated with names of specific people. Though I shouldn’t dwell on or be overly concerned with what others think of me, my name and its associated characteristics should be of concern. I don’t want my name to be a source of disgust. Proverbs 22:1 says a good name is to be chosen over great riches.
My name is Kara Beth, but I call myself a Christian.
I am reading three books by Dr. Tony Evans in which he discusses the names of God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit. As I reflect on his words and the truths of the Scripture on which he elaborates, I wonder how often my ‘Christianity’ follows Biblical guidelines. Do I reflect the love of Jesus? Do I follow God’s pattern in my patience? Do I model the Holy Spirit’s traits in my willingness to comfort and serve others? Is the name ‘Christian’ being truly reflected in my thoughts and actions? Is the name of Christ being honored by my life? By calling myself a ‘Christian’, am I truly identifying with and submitting to the Savior who has the ability to guide my life for eternity?
Something for me to think on, though 4:30 a.m. was a little early to start thinking of anything except the backs of my eyelids!
But maybe we all needed a midweek sermon, right?
Anyway
Blessings
KB
