What’s in a Name?

Brenda. Brittany. Bernice. Bertha. Elizabeth. Angela. All of these names are those that people often call me. The first few at least start with the letter B. Elizabeth is a great name. Angela? That’s the newest one today. I’m so used to people not remembering my name, that I answer to nearly anything.

Bridgette. Briget. Brigid. Brigette. Bridgett. Bridget is an uncommon name and most people don’t know how mine is spelled as there are many versions. I’m used to that, too. This doesn’t even take into account all of my nicknames.

Juliet:
“What’s in a name? That which we call a rose
By any other name would smell as sweet.”
Romeo and Juliet (II, ii, 1-2)

This is true. Is the rose sweet because we call it rose? No. But, it’s still a rose. When you think of a rose, you think of all of its attributes, qualites, and character. The blooming pattern, fertilizing times, pruning, care, and color as well as scent are all things you recall when you hear “rose.”

Moses asked the LORD in the flaming bush who he may say sent him to Egypt. The LORD said, tell them that I am “I AM.” Everything has to have a name. A name is potent, powerful. The right name carries a lot of weight.

Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name.  that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth…
Philippians 2:9-10 NKJ

The Greek for name (onoma – Strongs #3686) means “the name is used for everything which the name covers, everything the thought or feeling of which is aroused in the mind by mentioning, hearing, remembering, the name, i.e. for one’s rank, authority, interests, pleasure, command, excellences, deeds etc.“

Knowing who God is and all that His name means (all of his names) can really change your perception of Him. It will change your prayer life. It will increase your faith. It will strengthen you and your relationship with Him.

Names are important to God.  He has named people in the past and re-named them.  Abram’s name means exalted father, which must have seemed like a cruel twist of fate until he recieved the promise of Isaac; his name was changed to Abraham (father of a multitude).  Sarai (princess) was changed to  Sarah (noblewoman).  Jacob was renamed Israel after he surrendered to God.  From Heel-Catcher to Ruled by God.  What a change.  Simon was renamed to Peter.  Saul was converted and changed to Paul.  Some think Barnabas (son of encouragement) was a renaming as well.

And I have a name:  Bridget which means strong.  St. Bridget was the patron saint of all poets and healers of Ireland.  I’d like to think that my name is prophetic, like those in the Bible.  That I am strong in Him.  That I can bring healing to those through song and worship. I admit that it frustrates me when people don’t remember my name because I think they don’t remember me. Then I am struck with this thought: I know that GOD remembers my name. He knows my frame. He knows that I am but dust. He knows my going down and my coming in. He knows my thoughts. He knows where I am and His thoughts are always for me. (Psalm 139).

When I get to Heaven, He will give me my own special name. It is so good to know that He is mine and I am His.

He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes I will give some of the hidden manna to eat. And I will give him a white stone, and on the stone a new name written which no one knows except him who receives it.” ‘

Revelation 2:17 NKJ