What's in a name?

What is in a name? What is the meaning of your name? Does it describe who you are?

When we were picking names for our children, the meaning of the name was something we looked at when considering if it was going to make "the list". The other night before putting Eva to bed, I re-read the scripture that I painted on the wall of her room. It is from Proverbs and is speaks about wisdom. I chose it in part because I loved the illustration that it made and it speaks of Life. Eva's name means "Giver of Life".

She is more precious than rubies; nothing you desire can compare with her.

Long life is in her right hand; in her left hand are riches and honor.

Her ways are pleasant ways, and all her paths are peace.

She is a tree of LIFE to those who embrace her; those who lay hold of her will be blessed.

Proverbs 3:15-18

We want our children to walk in this Wisdom of the Lord, knowing who He is and calling upon His name, all the days of their lives.

When praying for our children, I ask the Lord to make the meaning of their name evident in their life. I want it to be more that just what they are called, I want it to be who they are.

As I was looking and thinking about names, I came across this and it put my thoughts into to words,

"Names have great significance in the Bible. A name was not just the label that differentiated one person from another, but often described something about the person. The name Abraham is translated "Father of a multitude", Jacob means "supplanter" and David "beloved". The most important names in the Bible, however, describe God Himself. He uses His names to help humanity understand the reality of who He is. God does not cloak His identity and distance Himself from His creation. Instead, we have a God who desires to be known." Taken from the K-House eNews

You might be thinking, "wow, she is putting way to much into this meaning," but it got me thinking about how many names that describe the Lord in the bible. These names represent who He is and His character. Here is a small section of a list...

Almighty, Alpha and Omega, Advocate, Bread of Life, Counselor, Holy One, JEHOVAH, Just One Life, Lord of all, Prince of life, Prince of Peace, Redeemer

If we think about WHO He is and all the names that could be given, it is truly incredible. Here is a sample from a list I have...

All knowing, my comforter, my defender, faithful and true, my joy and song, my hope, my fullness, my banner of VICTORY, my burden-bearer, my friend, my endurance and encouragement...the list could go on and on.

Who is He to you today? For me, it changes day to day. In recent days He is comforter to me, as I have been struggling with a few things. He is my strength. No matter the situation or season, there is a name that you can ALWAYS call upon, one above ALL others...Jesus. I call upon you today and will serve you in all I do.

Here is what our names mean...

Christopher - Christ-Bearer -It was used by early Christians as a metaphorical name, expressing that they carried Christ in their hearts. In the Middle Ages, literal interpretations of the name's etymology led to Christopher who carried the young Jesus across a river.

I am so thankful that Chris is a Christ-bearer and he carries Christ in his heart. As he leads our family he depends on the Lord alone.

Meeghan- pearl/great/ strength (I found many times Meeghan was listed as a form of Margaret- which was a little stange to me- can't really see the connection between the two)

Melia-Hard-Working/Dedicated/Industrious - She is all of these things. When it comes to getting something she wants, she will work at it with a dedication like nothing else, and will problem solve a way to get it done until she reached the prize.

Eva- Giver of Life - She brings life and joy to so many people. I was thinking about the day she was born (see earlier post for the complete story). When we went back to see the paramedics who delivered her, they were so excited, and could of talked for days to us, about the experience. It was something they said, usually only happens once in a career. In a job where they see so much devastation and sadness, she brought "LIFE". Three days after Eva was born, she had to go back to the hospital for the night because she was jaundice. We had to check in through the ER and then were placed in a room. When we were being registered the nurse was asking about her birth, and then quickly realized she was the baby that just days earlier had been born in the ambulance, and had to be checked out in the ER before heading the the Labor/Delivery floor. Immediately, upon realizing this she turned to tell every nurse that walked by, "This is the baby born in the ER the other day". Many came to wish us congratulations, and said if they were not on shift, that day, they had heard about it. Eva brought LIFE into that place that night.

What does yours mean? I want to warn you, there are hundreds of sights out there that will give meanings of names. You may find several for your name depending on the origin. I was shocked at how many different meanings one little name could have. Have fun looking.