Adam named his wife Eve,
because she would become the mother of all the living.
Genesis 3:20
My Name Is...
When you were a little girl, did you ever pretend you had a different name? During playtime, did you encourage your friends to call you by that name? Maybe you still have some long forgotten journal or artwork where you practiced writing your self-appointed name in various styles or with different colored ink? Personally, if I had my way, Elizabeth would have been my first rather than my middle name. It always seemed more exciting and adventurous than Jackie. But, alas, Jackie Elizabeth is my name.
Recently, three girlfriends and I were discussing the process of choosing a name for a baby. We listened as one friend told us the prospective names her expecting daughter has chosen. Naturally, a trip down memory lane ensued as each one of us recalled the manner of selecting names for our children. We all agreed that certain ones were crossed off the list simply because the name was associated with a person we did not like. Other times our decisions were guided by family tradition or in honor of someone. Admittedly, a few of us selected a name we (or our spouse) had always liked, perhaps even the one we had coveted as a child!
Have you ever wondered or asked how your name was picked? Speculating, I posed that question to my mother. Surprisingly, she told me that Jackie, and Michelle (my sister's name), were the first two foster children my maternal grandmother hosted. (She also told me that if my anatomy had been different, I would be a Christopher!) Interesting. My mind travels a hundred paths with this new information, but the fact remains I was born a female and called Jackie.
Jackie.
Jackie Brown.
"Have you seen that movie?" (Yes, I finally rented it so I could answer this incessant question.)
Jackie Brown.
"Awww, my parents had a dear friend Jackie Brown. You just brought back a warm memory."
(You are welcome, but don't bother seeing the movie. I didn't like it.)
Jackie Brown
"I knew a girl named Jackie Brown in grade school."
(You did? Well, I hope she was nice and you liked her. If not, just remember I am not that girl!)
His Name Is...
But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, you have found favor with God. You will be with child and give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. Luke 1:30-32
Mary was a mother unlike all mothers. She did not choose her pregnancy nor did she choose the name for the Son given her. The angel Gabriel spoke the news and the assignment: you are to give him the name Jesus.
Jesus
Son of the Most High
Son of Man
Christ
Savior
Immanuel
No other name captures us like His. His family history is part of the greatest story ever told. God selected a very special name for the Savior of the world. Movies have been named after Him. (And I love His movies!) Generations of children have been named after Him. Intense emotion is attached to His name. Knees bend and heads bow. Souls are saved. Jesus. Only Jesus. No other name but Jesus.
But now, O Jacob, listen to the LORD who created you.
O Israel, the one
who formed you says,
"Do not be afraid, for I have ransomed you.
I have
called you by name; you are mine..."
Isaiah 43:1 NLT
Your Name Is...
Mary
Amy
Karen
Linda
Beth
Sue
Jackie
Michelle
Every Woman....
Girlfriends, by whatever name you go, know God has ransomed you. He has called you by name; you are His! Reach out and take the hand of Jesus. Treasure the fact that He knows you, the real you, no matter what name or label is attached. He created you. He has plans for your life. He is always with you. I pray today that you will hear Him speaking your name and answer, "Yes, Lord, here I am."
