Random Thoughts for Thursday--What's In a Name?

Last Saturday afternoon, during the birthday festivities, my mom told me that she almost named me Selena. I'm not certain why, but I was perplexed by this. Maybe it is because I can't comprehend being anything but a Heather, or maybe it's because I'm weird. But, in any event, I've been thinking about this again this morning. I know that God knows our names, and has known our names, since before the foundation of the earth. So, despite my mother's best intentions of naming me Selena, God intended me to be Heather. But, why? What's behind that name? And, since my brain is still only functioning at half capacity, making it difficult for me to concentrate on the intricacies of the admissibility of ERISA payments, I thought I would check it out, and here's what I found.

HEATHER
Gender: Feminine
Means simply "heather" from the English word for the variety of small shrubs with pink or white flowers which commonly grow in rocky areas. It is derived from Middle English hather.

Hmm, that's interesting. I think God may have been on to something here. I definitely was planted and grew up in some rocky soil. But, maybe that's what He intended for me; maybe He was/is glorified by the fact that I grew up in that rocky soil. I know this, I would not be where I am today if it had not been for God's mercy and His grace. And, with everything that is going on right now in my life, I am hopeful that no matter how rocky my life gets, I'm a Heather, and that means that I can grow there. Isn't that cool?

But, I didn't want to have all the fun. So, I thought that I would research the meaning of some of my dearest bloggy friends' names as well. So, in alphabetical order, here goes. And, if didn't do your name, please don't get mad. I promise it doesn't mean I don't love you! Leave me a comment, and I'll do it tomorrow.

CAROLINE
Gender: Feminine
French feminine form of CAROLUS

From the Germanic name Karl, which was derived from a Germanic word which meant "man". However, an alternative theory states that the name is derived from the common Germanic element heri meaning "army, warrior".

Hmm, can anyone say prayer warrior??? I love that you are such a prayer warrior, Caroline, and I have no doubt that is what God intended!! I have been so blessed to get to know you over these last few months. You have become very dear to me! I can't wait to get to know you better in the months and years to come.

CINDY

Gender: Feminine

Latin origin.

Means "light."

Once again, how apropos. Cindy, everyone around you knows what a bright light you are to be around. You are so funny, sweet, and perky! You are such a blessing to your friends. I am so glad we got to be in book club together. I hope we can get together some over the summer so I don't go into Cindy withdrawal. I love you!

JULIA and JULIE
Gender: Feminine
Latinate feminine form of JULIUS.

Means youthful, soft-haired, or vivacious.

Oh, girlfriends! I have three of you that share this name!!

To my new friend Julia in GA, I'm just getting to know you, but from your blog I can already tell that you are beautiful inside and out! I know we come from at least a slightly similar background, and I can't wait to learn more about you!

To my hometown homegirl, Julie (who reads my blog but doesn't always comment ;), I love you so much! You are definitely youthful, and you are perhaps the most vivacious person I know! You always brighten my mood and my day. You are such a blessing!

And, last, but certainly not least, to my new friend Julie in OK, I know I don't know you that well, yet ;), but with a beautiful, bright smile like the one you have, I have no doubt that you are vivacious and full of life! I will also tell you that you don't look a day over 21. So, you obviously have the youthful thing goin' on, too. You are so sweet and I can't wait to get to know you better!!

KELLY

Gender: Feminine

Means "bright-headed."

Kelly, you are definitely "bright-headed," and I'm not just talking about your new, brighter, lighter hair-do!! You are so sweet and such an encouragement to so many women who read your blog. You are like sunlight, my friend! It radiates from your bright smile and your warm heart! I am so blessed that I have gotten a chance to get to know you a little, and I can't wait to get to know you more!!!

MELISSA

Gender: Feminine

Means "honey-bee"

Oh, my dearest, most wonderful friend, Melissa! I don't have to tell you how much I love you!! You are so sweet and are like honey to me, baby! I don't know what I'd do without you. When I was doing a little research on honey-bees, I found something interesting. Honey bees were the royal emblems of the Napoleonic Empire. They signified immortality and resurrection. Now, obviously the Napoleonic Empire was not immortal, but because of the immortality and resurrection of Jesus, you are eternal! I know how much you love Jesus, and that makes me love Him even more. You are a blessing, girlfriend!

SARAH

Gender: Feminine

Means "lady" or "princess" in Hebrew.

Sarah, Sarah, Sarah, my friend from AR. It may be awhile before you see this since you are so busy sleeping these days ;) The very first person we know of with the name Sarah was Abraham's wife. We also know that God gave Sarah her name shortly before she gave birth to Isaac. I just keep thinking that you are not so unlike that Sarah, well except for age thing! Anyway, you are a princess to God, and you are a blessing to me!

And, of course, my hometown homegirl, Sarah! I'm so glad we've gotten a chance to get to know each other at Valley and through our blogs! You are so sweet and such a godly lady. I hope we get to know each other even better in the future!

SHANA

Gender: Feminine

Modern French form of Jehanne, an Old French feminine form of Johannes (see JOHN).

Means "YAHWEH is gracious".

Yahweh is gracious, Shana, and so are you! You are so gracious to always open your home to your friends and to feed us all those yummy pastries you spend days making! I love you!! You are such a wonderful friend! Thank you for making me feel so welcome at Valley. I am going to miss you when you guys leave, but promise me we will keep in touch!

So, there you have it girls! Isn't that interesting. I love you all so much! I hope you each have a wonderful Thursday!!!