What's in a name?

We all have one. We all were given one at the time of our birth. Some are fond of this gift, but others are not. It is a gift that can be shared; yet you still posses it entirely. It is the door to getting to know someone for who they truly are. It holds power over someone else once you posses it.You may be wondering, "What is the answer?" and I would say the answer is a "name."

A name can hold power. It can penetrate the barrier of uncertainty and mystery of a human being just through a tiny word. Once you know someone's name you hold a certain kind of power over them. You can pick them out in a crowd and no one will be confused as to who you're referring to. You can also command an individual to do what you want (unless they are stubborn or bigger than you) by calling them by name. You can also bring comfort and peace to someone just by saying their name. In many other cases a name can be very powerful.

In my experience, if someone remembers my name it gives me a sense of connection to that person, wether or not I remember their name or not. I feel as if I am needed or wanted, and I could care less why they called my name whether out of need or just as a greeting as you pass by. Just the fact that they called out MY name gives me a warm feeing, a feeling that makes me feel like I matter and am important.

It has been said that the sweetest sound someone can hear is the sound of their own name. It is somehow sweet when you hear your name on the tip of someone else's tongue as if it brings a new meaning to your whole being. Maybe that is why Jesus likes it when we say his various names in our prayers. Or how even when you don't know what to say, Jesus' name is all that need be said. He already knows our needs before we say it; so even when we just speak his name he will still provide.

It is interesting to think that when we are reborn, God gives us a new name written on a white stone. Only you and God know that name, making it all the more precious. It is also interesting to think that Jesus has another name, a name in that no human can speak. Knowing a name is power, so it makes sense that Jesus would keep this name from mere humans, otherwise we would hold a certain power over him.

Names hold more power than I can express and when you know someone's name you have opened that door that was blocking you from digging deeper the complexity of that person's story.