What's In A Name?

By Lynn Ludwick

When I was starting my family, we had no idea whether the baby I carried would be a girl or a boy. We were prepared with a name for each. Ultrasounds were fairly new and for medical emergencies only. When granted the choice to know a baby’s gender, most parents in that era said no. We liked the mystery.

When my kids became parents I retained doubts about their foreknowledge. I’ve since discovered advantages, such as planning the nursery and selecting baby gifts. And, if they choose a name outside your grandparent-comfort zone, you have months to adjust. When the little arrives, you’re used to names such as Ocean, Mystery, Tinder, Unique, Canyon (really, I Googled them!) and the chosen name seems to fit.

“What's in a name? That which we call a rose by any other word would smell as sweet.” Actually, Mr. Shakespeare, there’s a lot in a name.

My daughter called this morning, “Hey Mom, how ya doin’?” I like what she calls me—Mom. Or its derivations. In high school one son called me Mother, and his brother tosses out an occasional Ma. Yet millions of people call their mothers “Mom,” so what was special about this morning? Just this—I’m my kids’ mom and no one else’s.

I thought about our Lord’s name, Jesus. It was common in His day, and still is today in Mexico. Because of the very essence of who this particular Jesus is, however, the name has gained a uniqueness that makes saints smile, sinners sneer and demons duck. It’s a powerful name. When life hits bottom and we’re weary of our sin existence, we can call on His name. I’ve reverenced it aloud and felt pain subside. I’ve cried out “Jesus” along with, “Help!” and enjoyed protection. “O Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth!” Psalm 8:1

“Sticks and stones will break your bones, but names will never hurt you.” Whoever first penned that, well all I can say is, what was he thinking?! A whack may leave a scar on the body and on the heart, but names carry equal destruction. Spoken persistently or even just once with vehemence, they claw at the soul and leave deep, festering wounds. “You are such a…” “You never do it right, you…” Those labels infer a person is incompetent, stupid, a loser, and basically say, “You’re unworthy.”

Even the way we say a name has impact. When my mother used all my names, first, middle and last, I knew I was really in trouble. And I did the same with my kids. I rarely said, “I love you, Name-Name-Name.”

Names can change. It happens with marriage or a court document. Immigrants often changed their names to blend in better in their new country. Nicknames are often dropped as a person approaches adulthood, or sometimes a nickname is adopted along the way. New positions in life change our titles and the title becomes our identity. My granddaughter Hazel calls me “Banana”—she noticed it rhymed with “Nana.” The man we elect to the White House becomes President So-And-So, or merely Mr. President. That makes me think about my titles. I may be Mom, Nana, or Banana (and even Grammar Lynn), but I don’t want to be Mrs. Mean or Mrs. Gossip or Mrs. Pain-In-The-Neck. I’d rather be Mrs. Kind, Mrs. Trustworthy, Mrs. Glad-You’re-Here. “A good name is more desirable than great riches; to be esteemed is better than silver or gold.” Proverbs 22:1

The best new position of all was when I became a Christian. My name forever changed from Sinner to Saint. From then on I was…r God’s child, part of a new family, those who “rejoice that your names are written in heaven.” Luke 10:20 God knows my name and uses it. “He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out.” John 10:3

While there may be other Lynn Ludwicks around, my name bears personal uniqueness, for no one shares my God-designated DNA or my history. I rejoice in being Mom to my kids, Nana/Banana/Grammar Lynn to my grandkids, and best of all, Child to God. A lot of responsibility in all that, but thankfully I don’t have to go it alone. I have The Book to guide me and the Holy Spirit within to lead and shape me. No matter what name I go by.

“Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved.” Acts 4:12

Lynn Ludwick writes from Medford, Oregon. Lynniegirl45@hotmail.com