Isaiah 43:1 - "I have called you by name, you are mine."
One’s name holds much significance. A name provides individualism, family association, and a sense of identity. We mourn those whose names are unknown by graciously referencing them as John/Jane Doe; and we rejoice when a baby is born and becomes the family namesake. While I was interning for Congressman Ike Skelton, he once asked me what I believed was the most beautiful word in the English language. After I had pondered his question for a second, he responded by saying that a person’s name is often the most beautiful word to them. As I thought about it, I realized how much truth there is in this statement; everyone loves to hear their name stated.
Names have a whole new dimension in China. Foreign names are often difficult to pronounce. However, I have been incredibly lucky in this department. When I meet a Chinese person, I say, “Hi, my name is Whitney.” And every time, I mean EVERY time, their eyes light up and they say, “Oh, like Whitney Houston?!” And I say, “Yes! Exactly like Whitney Houston; we even have the same initials!” Truly, I have had this conversation verbatim at least fifteen times. It is so sweet and makes me so happy because they are trying to relate to me, but I can’t help but get a huge grin on my face because it is so amusing to be compared to Whitney Houston. (I’m not African American; I’m not a recovering addict; and I’m not attempting a comeback…and the list goes on). But it has been a great lesson on how your name helps to form your identity.
Interestingly enough, I have also been given a Chinese name in my language class. My Chinese teachers decided to name me, “Hán huì ní.” Hán is my surname, or last name, and huì ní is my first name. They chose this name for me because the combination of huì ní resembles Whitney (so they say), and because huì means “grace.” I was SO EXCITED to discover the meaning. It is always amazing to see how His timing works. I was given my name on a day when I was feeling a bit overwhelmed. As soon as my teacher shared that my name means grace, I instantly thought of Him saying, “My grace is sufficient for you.” I just sat back in my chair and thought, “Wow, He knows exactly what I need to be reminded of today.”
Names and titles are obviously important to identify and describe a person; and everyone loves to hear someone say their name. However beautiful an individual’s name may sound though, I can’t think of any names that sound more beautiful than these: Wonderful Counselor, Bread of Life, Prince of Peace, Light of the World, and so many more. What joy, peace, and comfort these names bring!
