“A good name is more desirable than great riches; to be esteemed is better than silver or gold.”
Proverbs 22:1 (NIV)
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Unfortunately this is not a signpost directing you to where I actually live, but it was fun to see an actual sign with my name (and land!) while on a leisurely evening drive.
But what do my first names mean? Gale is of Hebrew origin and means ‘joy’ while Elizabeth, also of Hebrew origin, means ‘oath of God’. Thanks dad for giving me simple, easy-to-pronounce and easy-to-spell names that truly represent!
The only time I’ve really seriously thought about my name though was when I got married and changed my surname to that of my husband’s. Yes, there was lots of discussion because I wanted to keep my name but hubbie wasn’t too thrilled so I gave in. Then when I became divorced I struggled with a decision: go back to my maiden name or keep a name that was technically no longer mine. I kept it, not only to cement the bond with my son but because I knew I wasn’t that young naive girl anymore; I had survived loss of a job, loss of a parent and loss of a marriage … and there was no turning back. As my coworkers can confirm: I am now 50 Shades of Gale – see my birthday cake from 2015 as proof 🙂
I think names carry a special weight or significance and in molding Nathan – a Hebrew name meaning ‘gift’ – as my one and only son/heir to adulthood, it’s been important to reinforce that in life it’s not about wealth or education or fame, but more about your name/reputation. Do you agree? And what do you think about your name? Have you had to think long and hard when naming your children? What about naming a pet or even your home or boat? Leave me a comment; can’t wait to read your story ♦
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“I call everyone ‘Darling’ because I can’t remember their names.”
~ Zsa Zsa Gabor
“The real names of our people were destroyed during slavery. The last name of my forefathers was taken from them when they were brought to America and made slaves, and then the name of the slave master was given, which we refuse, we reject that name today and refuse it. I never acknowledge it whatsoever.”
~ Malcolm X
For more fun WPC ‘name’ posts click here -> NAMES
Gale Weithers 
excellent thoughts – as a man, I’ve never thought of it as a loss, but I think I understand…. Malcolm X’s quote is heart rending – sad. Nice post. Life is indeed for the living. Peace.
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Thanks for visiting Malcolm and it’s mostly a gain rather than a loss … usually. I have a friend who took his wife’s name but admittedly that was very very rare (and sweet) 🙂
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“What’s in a name?….” You are who/that you are, and while a name or re-naming cannot change that, your true name is testimony to your heritage, lineage, and perhaps even destiny. Adopting or being ‘given’ another (‘s) name may create a conflict, but your true soul wins—unless you consciously reject your ‘self’ in favour of someone or something else. Then that is who or what you become; and there is no going back. It is tantamount to losing your birthright. A Rose will always be a Rose unless it rejects and refuses its own essence. Salt that has lost its savour is no longer good for anything.
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Your name is important and so is your self-worth irregardless of your name as well. Thanks for visiting!
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