Closer To Me

I’ve always believed a name was special.

Ever since I was younger, I’ve always been fascinated with names.

First names.

Middle names.

Last names.

Hyphen names.

Street names.

Nicknames.

My nicknames growing up were:

“Tweet” (because I loved and looked like Tweety Bird)…

“Cimone” (my middle name; only used by my mom)…

“Munchkin” (only used by my sister)…

“Babygirl” (only used by my older brother)…

“Nanny Nanny” (random named used by a family friend)…

When I was in elementary/middle school, I had really bad eczema so I was called:

“Dandruff girl”…

“Alligator Skin”…

In college, my skin had gotten really bad and a picture of me was put on a social media page with the name “Ugliest Girls on Campus”…(thank God for supportive friends) .

Yet and still, names have always been intriguing to me.

I’ve always been excited to learn someone’s actual name!

Whether a teacher, a new friend, an extended relative, a student, a colleague…

I go HARD for names!

I feel like they’re an extension of one’s identity.

There are pieces of who someone is that will take time to learn and understand and peel back…

There are unseen gems and nuances in a person that only get exposed through certain circumstances and situations…

But a name is sometimes the first introduction to a person’s soul!

Who are you called by?

How do you differentiate yourself from others?

What light does your name shed on your existence, your relationship to the world?

I am very good with names.

I remember them because I believe they are worth remembering.

They are sprinkles of purpose, dusts of intention, blanketing the earth.

They are covers of novels of great and invigorating stories.

They are links in chains.

They are gingerbread crumbs unlocking the truth behind a whimsical mystery.

They are impressions of time and history.

They are important.

Each one.

In life, we can sometimes give more importance to certain names over others.

Names that shine.

Names that bring glamour.

Names that bring fame.

Names that “have something better to offer.”

Names that fit the mold.

Names that serve our desires.

I’ve been in places where my name was never said and places where my name was said first!

I’ve occupied spaces where my name was put in the “no” pile…the “next time” pile…and spaces where my name was designated “let’s give her a try!”

I’ve even experienced simply being called by my appearance rather than by my name (which I’m quite sure we all have at one point or five in our lives).

But a person’s name is beautiful.

YOUR name is beautiful.

And even beyond what you are called in this world…

Your name in the divine is beautiful.

Your name is Worthy. (Matt 10:31)

Your name is Purpose. (Eph 2:10)

Your name is Fearfully and Wonderfully Made. (Psalm 139:14)

Your name is Redeemed. (Isa 43:1)

Your name is Righteous. (2 Cor 5:21)

Your name is Light. (Matt 5:14)

Your name is Co-Heir. (Rom 8:17)

Your name is Blessed. (Eph 1:3)

Your name is Sustained. (Psalm 23:1)

Your name is Loved. (Jer 31:3)

Your name is Chosen & Royal. (1 Pet 2:9)

If you’ve ever used your voice or your platform to speak names of hurt that tear down instead of edify…

Reevaluate the message of value that you send and the power that you have.

It’s free…

And affirms the truth that everyone matters.

If you’ve ever been selective over the names you choose to remember…the names you choose to say…the names you choose to give importance to…

Step out of yourself today and get to know a NEW name.

It’s free…

And affirms the truth that everyone matters.

If you’ve ever felt that your name was overlooked, unimportant, and of no value…know that it is not and has never been. God knows your name!

Hold your head high and don’t be afraid to boldly introduce yourself.

It’s freeing…

And affirms the truth that everyone matters.

Hi. My name is Stejha (pronounced Stay-sha).

And it is my complete honor to meet you!

What is your name?