What's in a name?

Proverbs 22:1

New King James Version (NKJV)

22 A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches,
Loving favor rather than silver and gold

Tonight our daughter had the pleasure of experiencing this very thing. She found favor because of a good name...her dad's.  I'm not sure if this man realized that he was a part of a lesson God was conveying. But I sure hope she will remember this for the rest of her life. I know I will!

I have always told my kids to make sure that in all that they do to try and always remember that they represent our family. That they represent Jesus. Keep it clean. Always do the right thing and make good choices!

How do you represent your family? How do you represent your name? Your Faith ? Your Maker?

OK girls we all know gossip is a real problem for us girls...and men. Learning to bite our tongues isn't easy. Do you want to be known as a woman...or man who gossips? Gossip destroys relationships. Destroys a good name.

How about being prejudice? I grew up in a era where being prejudice was a way of life in our southern state. I must say...I am not proud of this fact. I feel it's very wrong to be prejudice towards someone just because of the color of their skin, the food they choose to eat, the hair style they choose to wear or the shoes on their feet. I could go on and on. Why would someone put themselves above another just because of that person's choices of material things or things that a person has no control over? Would you want your name to be associated with bigotry? What's in your name?

I am sad to say too often I have experienced this in my life. I have been on both ends....the giving and  the receiving. It never turns out good no matter how you slice it.  Where is our passion, our kindness? All those things God speaks of in 1st Corinthians 13 .   How do you want to be known?
Do you want to be known as someone who is prejudice, gossips....toots your own horn? Or do you want to be the person God speaks of who loves beyond what your eyes see? Beyond the flesh and bones standing before you. Too often we waste our time tearing people down when in reality we should be helping to build them up. When is the last time you reached out to that someone who is shunned by your community...your friends....your family?  Give with open hands never expecting anything or recognition in return. Yes, I struggle with this...it's called pride. We all know what happens with pride. Pride comes before the fall! Proverbs 16.

Is your good name associated with wealth and things? Or is it associated by the passion in your heart to live as a man or woman of  noble character?

Your name. Your Family's name. What's in it? It's never too late to turn things around. It just starts with a willing heart and a whole lot of humility!