What's In A Name

Early this morning I spent over an hour writing a post about names, inspired by a quote I read in Sue Monk Kidd's book, The Dance of the Dissident Daughter. What is the meaning of a name? What is the story behind one's name? What was being imparted onto a child as they are named by their parents? What identity does a person associate with their name? Do nicknames or variations on a name represent positive or painful memories?

As I was about to publish my post, the entire thing disappeared from my computer and was gone. I couldn't believe it. My frustration level went through the roof, but mostly I felt discouraged. I have so much going on in me right now, and at the same time I have felt so blocked from being able to write about it, or write anything for that matter.

There is no way I could begin to recreate that writing from this morning. But I have started to think two things. One, that maybe that writing exercise this morning was just for me. And two, that maybe my story, or my interpretation is not what is needed here. And so I am going to simply leave this quote, and a related scripture, and let God speak through it in whichever way He chooses.

"Women will starve in silence until new stories are created which confer on them the power of naming themselves."
(Sarah Gilbert & Susan Gubar)

And from Isaiah 62:

"....you will be called by a new name that the mouth of the Lord will bestow."

Peace to you.