Members and friends of Grace,
Names can be confusing. In our congregation, we have names like Stoppelmann, Van Keirsbelk, Wagenknecht, Heitshusen, and Challacombe. But the prize for longest name goes to Joan Dressendorfer. Thirteen letters! Recently I heard my name introduced as "Wagoncraft" which was a new one. Those fortunate enough to be blessed with long names know the feeling when your name is butchered. Some names are just similar enough to be confusing: We have two Cunninghams: Connie and Carolyn. Until recently, two other dear ladies shared a first name and similar last names (Winnie Caswell and Winnie Kennedy have both gone to glory.)
Both pairs of ladies are not related and don't look much alike, but both of them have been called by the other's name. Some names you can't guess how to say:
Do you pronounce the e's in Hoke and Bode? (One yes, one no). Is Thoni pronounced like "Tony" or like "Thorny" without the 'r'? I'm flexible: you can call me "Wagon-connect," Wagon-neckt", or the German "Voggenknechchchcht" as long as you don't call me late for dinner. And then there are first names like Kaitlin (Kate-lynn, Kaitlyn, etc) and Mikaila (Michaela, McKayla, etc.)
We can have fun with people's names, and I don't mean to "make fun" of anyone.
Names are important. God tells us in his Holy Book to protect the good names of others. Our "good name" is our reputation. We certainly don't like it when misinformation or private information is given out about us. We should likewise protect others from gossip, speak well of them, and take words and deeds in the kindest possible way.
Of course, the most important Name for us is our God. He calls himself many names: LORD, Jehovah, God, Ancient of Days, Alpha and Omega, Jesus, etc. But it's not just his proper names that are holy; everything he reveals about himself is his Holy Name, his reputation. The proper way to use God's name is to pray to him, praise him, thank him, and tell others about the salvation he planned and carried out on our behalf. "Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to man by which we must be saved" (Acts 4:12). It doesn't matter if you write or pronounce his name in German, Spanish, Greek, Hebrew, English, or Arabic. What matters is that we know He is the Son of God, who took on human flesh in order to live a perfect life and die an acceptable death as a sacrifice for all. What matters is that we trust Him as the Risen Lord, that we lean on him, that we learn from him. Let's remember to focus on Him this Holy Week.
