Why What We Are Called Matters to Us, and to God
From last-minute hospital panics and rhyming surname near-misses to childhood nicknames that stay with us for decades, our names carry stories, memories, and identity. Whether you love what’s on your birth certificate, go by a nickname, or still carry the sting of unkind labels from years ago, being named is a fundamental part of the human experience. In this lighthearted yet deeply comforting reflection, Angie explores the surprising power of names, and reveals why knowing the many names given to Jesus can transform the way we see ourselves and our relationship with God.
What does everyone in the world have? A name! (Although saying that, there will be someone, somewhere who goes by a number, I’m sure!). The day you were born, your parents gave you a name and whether you like it, have changed it or shortened it, a name is something we’re known by. Many of us have nicknames too or special names like husband, wife, daughter, grandson, the list is endless.
My husband tells the story that when he was born, it was customary for the Registrar to go through the Maternity Ward and ask each mother the name of their newborn. My Mother-in-Law excitedly shared with the lady in the next bed that she was going to call her son Simon. The lady then exclaimed loudly that Simon was not a good choice and he’d go through his life being called Simple Simon! My Mother-in-Law panicked at this stage as the Registrar was fast approaching and she didn’t want to land her newborn son with such a negative label. So, she decided to call him Robert, after her brother, Bob. Imagine my Father-in-Law’s surprise when he turned up at the hospital expecting to bring Simon home, only to find out that he’d be bringing a Robert home instead!
In my own case, my parents had apparently decided on the name Tracey for me. Now, Tracey is a lovely name, however my surname at the time rhymed with Tracey, which friends didn’t think was a good idea. So, they then decided on Angela and that name remains to this day, although many know me as Angie or Miss Angie.
When we lived in California, I’d sometimes go grocery shopping and have my shopping packed by Jesus, which would always make me smile. Now I know that the gentleman who packed my bags was Hispanic and the pronunciation was different, but it always brought a smile to my face.
Sometimes people can use names in hurtful ways, especially children at school who don’t recognize the hurt that name calling can cause. You might have had a bad experience decades ago, but still the memory lingers. My husband clearly recalls when he was 5 years old and part of the Wagtail holiday club, when he was made to stand on a chair so that everyone could sing Happy Birthday to him. Although this was supposed to be a fun and pleasant experience, he remembers standing there and crying his eyes out.
In the Bible it mentions many names for Jesus – with Google listing over 150 names and titles for him. I love that one of the titles of Jesus is that he is a friend of sinners, like me. It comforts me to know that I can talk to him any time, day or night, wherever I am. He’s with me through the good times and bad times. Is the same true for you? If not, why not find a good local Church to find out more and check out other links on this page.
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About the Author
Angie was born in the UK, but spent 26 years living in California before returning to England 3 years ago.
She attended a church in the heart of Silicon Valley with her husband Rob, where she helped with the kids and special needs programme.
She worked as an Executive Assistant, which at times, was a little like herding cats! She enjoys baking, organizing and travelling.
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