It CAN change though!
Abram became Abraham. The Fatherless became the father of many. Simon became Peter. A simple fisherman became a significant "stone" in building the Kingdom.
Saul became Paul. A dark, hateful heart became the hands, feet, and voice for our Lord.
Now its my turn.
Shelly became Michele. I requested to be called by my given name rather than my childhood "nickname." As a child, I picked up some insecurities, baggage, and traits that I'm not proud of. Some were significant enough (in a negative way) that I wouldn't allow my given name, it's meaning, (which I might add I didn't understand until later in life) to stick to me. I was labeled. I was a snob, not friendly, not relational, uncomfortable in crowds. I chose to own that....until one day.... I RIPPED that off. I started walking in what I was meant to be.
Michele is a name of Hebrew origin meaning "who is like God". She is always happy to see her family and friends. Her manner is gentle but her spirit is strong. She outshines those around her. She knows the worth of good character. A winner is what she is. She has a kind and generous heart. Friends look to her for support and advice. Now that is a name I want to accept!
"Let love and faithfulness never leave you. Bind them around your neck. Write them on the tablet of your heart. Then you will win favor and a good name in the sight of God and man." Proverbs 3:3-4
I am the Mrs. Pastor. I am called by God to minister to people in whatever way God chooses. At church, at school, at a ball game, at the mall . . . . I won't allow the enemy, nor anyone, to stick any other name on me.
I will never let love and faithfulness leave me. Therefore, I have a good name!
What about your name?
In His steps --
The Mrs. Pastor
Love it!! You ARE a good writer- rip off the "label" of a bad writer, and please continue! You have a beautiful heart... I love your words...HIS words!!
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Thank you for sharing. I encourage you to pursue all that God has for you.
ReplyDeleteI was so excited to see you had begun a blog and MRS. PASTOR is a great name but doesn't do you total justice. It should be Mrs. Pastor Extraordinar ----because you are!!! ((hugs))
ReplyDeleteI am so excited about this blog..and getting to know you more! What an interesting concept about names and changing your childhood nickname. My maiden name was Jennifer Zigler and as they often are, the children in my school were cruel and nicknamed me Jennifer Jiggler (after the jello jigglers that were popular at that time). I was, as you can probably guess from the name, quite chubby and it was at that young age that I accepted that label and believed I would always struggle with my weight. 25 years later, I see that I've tried and tried to un-stick that label and thought pattern to my life, but my attempts have been overall unsuccesful as I still constantly battle with obsessing over the scale. To add to that, when I finally started to live a healthier lifestyle (about 9 years ago) I decided I wanted to be called Jen or Jenni instead of Jennifer. I never realized (until reading this post) that maybe I associate that name with that miserable and painful part of my life. Hmm...definitely something to think and pray about! Anyway, thank you so much for sharing this piece of your testimony with us! :)
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