Our name. How is it that such a simple thing as a name can have so much power ? Is it because as humans we crave for identity? Something that makes us unique? Something that belongs to us and no one else. Of course depending on culture and ethnic identity, because in some cultures people do share the same name. Even then I think having your own name gives us our own sense of belonging. It's personal.
It's another paradox of life though- how something that defines us has been chosen for us. For most of us our names have been chosen for us by our parents. Why our parents choose particular names for us is not within our control. It could be for religious reasons, it could be cultural, or it could be just out of convenience. I've heard of some people who were named after famous movie or TV personalities. And in some rural cultures babies are not names until the parents are sure that the child will live to be at least one year of age.
I've always had this habit of asking people what their names mean. Especially if I encounter an unusual one. Maybe it's because my parents have always told me why they named me what they did. Esther was a young girl who was chosen out of thousands of others to become a queen. She was chosen not just for her beauty but for her spirit. At the end of the story (found in the Bible) she saves her people by courageously going to the King and asking for their freedom. At that time if someone went to the King unannounced his life could be forfeit- and this meant anyone. Even the Queen herself. And the name 'Esther' means star in the Hebrew language.
I think names carry hope. Parents hope that when they give their child a certain name, that child will grow up to emulate the qualities of that name. If you're not sure about what your name means- take a little time and ask your parents. Or do some research. It may even change your life.
And if you're having trouble remembering someone's name- try this:
www.soakupinfo.com/Esther
