ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGS
June 6, 2025
In today’s world, legally changing your name can be quite challenging, yet many individuals do so. Others acquire nicknames through amusing or peculiar events that become enduring. Still others allow life circumstances to rename them in a manner that may not have legal standing but clearly reflects their emotional state. In the Book of Ruth, Naomi changed her name to Mara, the Hebrew word for bitter. The scripture says, “Call me no longer Naomi, call me Mara, for the Almighty has dealt bitterly with me” (1:20). This name defined her for years to come. When bitterness, anger, or sorrow attempt to rename you, claim for yourself a different name that is full of joy and possibility. It may not reflect your current feelings, but even when you haven’t fully overcome negative emotions, a new and positive self-declaration can ignite hope in the possibilities that lie ahead with God. There’s a future beyond our immediate perception, especially when our present moment is consumed by pain or unhealthy emotions.
Holy God, claim me by your grace and name me through your love. Amen.
