BEHIND THE NAME

I can’t bless God enough for yet another year. Words are truly inadequate to express myself. One thing I am so excited about is the new year because it has lots in store for me. Today I am led to write about something I wanted to write a while ago but had to wait for the right time.

For a long time I didn’t know the meaning of my name aside the fact that I was named after a bible character. Due to the wrong pronunciation and spellings I have severally, in the past wanted to change it. As I got ready for my wedding, my dad challenged me that I never asked him what the meaning of my name was; then he said, the character in the Bible should give me a clue.

I checked for the meaning of my name and I found two strong words – “PURE”, “SHINING”. Wow… how beautiful. Something that is pure shines and something that shines is pure. Either way I was surprised as I looked at the meaning on my computer for a very long time. Looking back at creation when God created man in His image. I could only mutter to myself these words; “Phebe you are made in God’s image, let your life shine forth purely showing forth the beauty of your maker.”

Then coming to Romans 16:1-2 (ERV) – “I want you to know that you can trust our sister in Christ, Phoebe (Phebe). She is a special servant of the church in Cenchrea. I ask you to accept her in the Lord. Accept her the way God’s people should. Help her with anything she needs from you. She has helped me very much, and she has helped many others too.” I can only pray that God helps me to live up to my name.

Now enough of me. Let me talk to somebody. What’s your name? Have you been named based on circumstances? Are you like the old me who didn’t like her name? Let me tell you the story of the man Jabez. I’m sure you know about him. ‭‭1 Chronicles‬ ‭4:9-10‬ ‭(ERV‬‬) “Jabez was a very good man, who was better than his brothers. His mother said, “I have named him Jabez because I was in much pain when I had him.” Jabez prayed to the God of Israel and said, “I pray that you would bless me and give me more land! Be near me and don’t let anyone hurt me! Then I will not have any pain.” God gave Jabez what he asked for.”

It wasn’t his fault his mother was in pain, but he didn’t say it wasn’t his fault he was named Jabez and surround himself with a pity party; instead, one thing he took was the responsibility to change his life. It is recorded in scriptures that his life truly changed. I’ve seen people who are limited by their names because they have attached so much to it and it has corrupted their belief system badly. Funny enough, some do have beautiful names which can be limiting and hence are limited. My message to you is, don’t live in pity over situations that you didn’t create but can re-create. Take charge of your life and determine that your name (good or bad name) would not define or limit you.

In addition, dear parents, that the name sounds good or spells funky and you love it doesn’t make it good to be one for your child. Don’t be in a rush to get a name or be so superstitious as to give that name. (There is no rule that says you must name your child immediately or on the seventh day) There is power behind every name. What kind of power do you want to be behind the one you give your child? This includes names in the Bible. That it is in the Bible doesn’t mean it is good to be borne by your child. Take time to pray over the name(s) and most importantly, do your research. NAMES are powerful. Even Jesus Christ was not given just any name.

Same applies for nicknames, be careful what kind of power you release upon yourself in the name of having a nickname.

“Nicknames stick to people, and the most ridiculous are the most adhesive.” ~ Thomas Chandler Haliburton

I am Phebe (REJU) Olaniran and I am A BEAUTIFUL Wife, Mom and Friend! Happy Birthday to me!!! A big congratulations to my parents on the occasion of my birth today some years ago. Thanks for giving me sweet, beautiful and prophetic names.

What’s your name?

“Words have meaning and names have power.” ~Author unknown

Feel free to name your princess Phebe. I love namesakes. Hahaha.

God bless you.