What's in a name?

Through centuries, names are more than just nice-sounding ear-pleasing monikers for the purposes of personal identification. Discerning parents take it upon themselves to bless their children with names pregnant with meaning; indeed in hope that the child would be bestowed with the gifts and blessings "declared by" the name.

I've got friends whose names mean "well-born", "lady/princess", "His name is God", "God will uplift". My sister's name carries the promise that "God is gracious", and my boss is literally a "fighter".

"Jesus" means Saviour; He who saves.

I've come across a number of meanings for my own name; the most common being "youthful". Youth are characterized by their boundless energy, great gusto for life, and a certain degree of folly and foolhardiness.

How did Dad and mum know what a livewire I was gonna turn out to be...

Thing is, being youthful is the LAST thing I am sometimes. I get so bogged down with life; it feels like everything's just sucked out of you. Maybe that's what city life does: putting the "work hard, play hard" philosophy in practice. Or maybe it's just my principle of going ALL OUT or nothing at all in whatever I delve my hand into. The Bible IS right, you know, that youth can grow tired and weary...

But I do take comfort in His promise, that "those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength... They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint." (Isaiah 40: 31)

I seek to be well-rested in His love, and fulfil the destiny of the name He gave to me. I pray that you will be secure in Him too.

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