Happy Valentine’s Day!
Last week’s writing prompt asked us to write about our first name, and the story or association behind it. Also, if I had the choice (which I do) would I rename myself?
Names are important to us! The great lecturer and self-improvement guru Dale Carnegie teaches that “a person’s name is to that person the sweetest and most important sound in any language.” Principle #6 from How to Win Friends and Influence People.
My first name’s Crystal, and a feminine name originating around 19th century England. Derived from the word crystal, a very clear, brilliant glass, or a clear, transparent quartz. It’s also κρυσταλλος (krystallos) meaning “ice” in Greek. So (dramatic pause) I’m a brilliant woman, transparent in word and deed, exuding a calm, cool and collected strength? Love it! That explains how I flawlessly channel my inner Neo through camera poses. Click the link and catch my drift… The Matrix
My Mom insists on being reasonable, and tells me I’m named after her high school classmate. She was pregnant with me her senior year, and friends were few and far between. Girls “in that condition” had two choices in 1970: drop out or go to an alternative school. Mom stood her ground, stayed in her neighborhood school and graduated (walking across the stage a full nine month’s pregnant)! A girl named Crystal carried her books between classes, and would help her out alot.
As a woman of faith, I then turned to my Bible to find out if God calls us by name? Yes, He does in many passages!
…Before I was born the LORD called me; from my mother’s womb he has spoken my name. Isaiah 49:1 NIV
And the Lord said to Moses, “I will do the very thing you have asked, because I am pleased with you and I know you by name.” Exodus 33:17 NIV
I read on, discovering that God not only knows us by name, but also reveals Himself by name so we can fellowship in the most personal way. Whatever the need and in every situation, when we call He promises to answer. He is El Shaddai (the Lord God Almighty) and so much more! Throughout the Old Testament, there are many beautiful Names of God. After all this research I’m on cloud nine, and feeling like a physical and spiritual superhero. So who am I?
Crystal, a child of the most high God and gifted to earthly parents for a season. When my Lord saw fit, He rewarded me with a husband designed just for me, who KNOWS me and LOVES me (flaws and all). Together we have our children and inheritance. My babies are a beautiful promise of a legacy that will live on long after I’m in Heaven. So would I rename myself?
Absolutely not. I’m living The Exceptional Life!
Blessings, CED
Banner credit: http://www.todaysword.org
The Exceptional Life 