What's in a name? That which we call a rose
By any other name would smell as sweet.
~William Shakespeare, Romeo and Juliet
By any other name would smell as sweet.
~William Shakespeare, Romeo and Juliet
But how true is this statement? Can you imagine calling a rose, stinkweed? Something tells me that if that was its name, it would change our desire to even go near it. Is it the same then for people? Not as much that we would shun or avoid others strictly because of their name, but do we have names for or beliefs about ourselves that have a negative meaning to us? Do we act according to what those names mean even if they are false?
Late last year I read the book Captivating by Jon and Stasi Eldridge. Then I began listening to the podcasts of the Captivating Conference while I was driving. I was about to leave for my favorite conference of the year and stopped by my church to say goodbye to my sister on my way out of town. In the lobby there a few other ladies who share the name Amy. With three Amy's in the lobby, my friend, Cory Ball, joked that he felt he needed to change his name to fit in. I assured him that the name just wouldn't fit and we talked for a moment about how important names are and that mine was Amy Beth, Beloved House of God. I thought nothing more of the conversation, found my sister, and said goodbye.
As I drove the three hours to the conference, I again listened to the podcasts. The one that hit me was when Stasi was teaching about the lies the enemy will keep us believing. As I drove, I asked God what lies I was believing. The word that came to my heart was "disappointment". Not a long list of life's disappointments but that I was a disappointment to everyone. I cried and I wept. That is what I had been believing and living to hide.
The conference was wonderful. I felt accepted and important. Our last activity before we left was to take a rock from a basket that was passed around and say one word that summed up what we would take away from the conference. I heard the others say things like teamwork, unity, etc. The only word that kept coming to my head was home. "Home," I thought. "What in the world does that mean?" It then came to me. That is how I have felt here and what I want to leave with, feeling at home.
Driving home, I again began listening to Stasi. This time she was talking about God giving us a new name and how that name is as unique was we are. She said that many times that name is one that God gives to squash the lies of the enemy. She told her story about how God had given her a special name. She also said that it took six years to realize her name. I cried out to God and asked for a name of my own and that I really didn't want to wait six years for it. The next thing Stasi said was that for some of us, our parents were right in line with God and gave us our name when we were born. I thought for a few moments then began to feel my eyes well up with tears. The words that came to my heart were, "you are My Home and I am not disappointed in My Home." The tears were now more like a waterfall pouring down my face. I quickly found somewhere to pull over.
For a few moments, I had to let it all sink in. Before I left for the conference, He reminded me of the name my parents gave me. I even took pride in what it meant, Beloved House of God. He then gave me a beautiful example of the new meaning of my name at the conference. Now at the pinnacle, He opened my eyes to see how that new meaning was what He thought of me all along and He threw the lies I had always taken as truth into the fire of His grace. My name is His Home.
I now wear the outline of a house on my left ring finger as a constant reminder of what my King thinks of me. I am His Home and He is not disappointed in me.
What lies have you believed about yourself? What new name does God have for you that will pour grace over the lies of your past?
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This is great Amy. I love the story behind it all. God is such a loving, amazing father. What a blessing to have Him speak to you in this way.
Love you lady!
It was one incredible journey and one He knew I needed before the accident. I love the way he puts things together!
Love you too!