what's in a name ?

 Last week I was called names.

For some people, reading that will conjure up some uncomfortable memories of schoolyard bullies or cruel family members.   For me, thankfully, being ' called' things has only ever been a positive in my life.

I was blessed to be brought up in a family who feared nothing and believed that anything was possible.  None of my immediate family are Christians so there was no overt spiritual agenda behind the way I was raised but I definitely grew up knowing that I was capable, smart, an achiever and that basically the world was my oyster.  I just thought this was normal, but now as an adult I realise that so many people grow up unsure and insecure about who they are.

Last week at a funeral two people spoke to me almost in passing.  One guy who I barely know came up to me and said ' Oh hello, it's the warrior!'   And someone else just looked at me and then said to the person standing next to me ' This is the most intelligent woman I know'.  And then moved on 😀

Im not telling you this because I want you to know how intelligent and fierce I am - Im telling you this because I believe these words about me.  God has spoken the warrior word to me over and over again across many years.  Probably because I keep forgetting so He has to keep reminding me! 

 As for the intelligent thing - well I haven't heard that for quite a long time.  But I definitely believe that God has made me smart.   Im not academically particularly brilliant but I do think I have a way of seeing things which sometimes cuts to the quick, and hopefully a way of then explaining those things in a way which helps people to understand.   A University Prof once wrote me a reference.  All it said was ' Caroline is one of the most clear thinking students I ever met at St Andrews'    I have never forgotten it.  Because it was true.  Hence the blogs.

So, what do people call you?

Is there a word that comes up again and again across a variety of people in different settings to describe you?  It might be a word you think doesn't apply or you find slightly irritating. But it won't go away.  ( Im obviously talking about the positive words here - if you keep hearing something negative and horrid from people then message me, we need to talk)  If people keep telling you you are beautiful/handsome/strong/brave/sensitive/kind/uncompromising/generous/fierce/loyal/a great parent/a brilliant colleague/creative/hard working/ambitious/prophetic/wise/calm/a peacemaker........   then its because you are.  

Own your name.  Don't apologise for it. It is a part of God in you that He wants people to see.  They do see it because it is who you are and you just leak those qualities wherever you go. I think sometimes we have a twisted view of humility and we think that we have to be constantly talking ourselves down.  But the definition of humility is thinking correctly about yourself.  ie. not thinking of yourself too highly , but equally not calling God a liar by refusing to wear the name He has given you .  You are a son of the Most High.  Part of a priestly kingdom of prophets, loved and destined to be part of the bride of Christ at the end of the age. If God thinks you are an evangelist or brave or hospitable then who are you to argue?

Next time someone calls you a name, thank them and ask them what they see in you.  Then wear that in full confidence that He who began a good work in you is going to complete it and make you like Jesus.