///what is my name///

What is in a name?  I thought about this the other day while I was sitting in an Elementary School gym, listening to a “Moving Up” ceremony.  When they announced his name, Conner walked across the gym, went up the stairs, received a “diploma” and beamed the entire way.  He was very proud of himself, and I was even more proud.  What struck me was to hear his name being read off, just like at a “real” graduation.  “Conner James Johnson”.  I don’t often hear his full name, and I was sort of taken aback.  And I wondered, “What’s in a name?”  What is significant about what I chose to call him?  What makes it special?  Should a name even be special at all?

For about a week or so, I’ve been thinking on this, and realized that my name defines me.  I’m not sure that EVERYONE’S name defines them, but mine defines me because it was GIVEN to me.  It’s not just what people say when they want me to look at them.  My name means something because my Father gave it to me.

In our culture, so much is made of our independence.  The fact that we don’t need to rely on anyone.  We are self-determined and can be self-actualized.  I can achieve what I want to achieve, do what I want to do, be who I want to be, with no buy-in or assistance from anyone.  I am the great determining factor in my life.  But my name was given to me. 

My name defines me.  I can never escape my name, nor can I ignore it.  I can’t tell people it’s something other than it is, because the truth will find me out.  I will eventually be recognized, identified, and labeled as James Lee Johnson, Jr.  While it was given to me by someone else without any input from me, it was given for a reason.  Not a bad reason, not an insidious one, not even a selfish one.  It was given to me as a guide.

My name is the same as my Father.  My name is one that reminds me of the example.  Every time I’m addressed by my name, I’m reminded that my thoughts, words, and actions should be placed against a standard.  What is the reason for standard?  What is the usefulness?  Why?  In short, the standard is a standard of excellence.  It’s a standard of kindness and love.  Of strength.  It’s the standard that reminds me what I should strive to be. 

It’s Father’s Day, and I think that it is completely acceptable for one to simply purchase a card, wish someone a happy Father’s Day, say, “I love you.”, and have that be the extent of it.  But this Father’s Day, I wanted to let you know what has been on my mind.  It’s my name.  And my son’s name.  And it’s what that means.  Not simply, “What is my name?”, but “What does my name mean?”  What does it say about me?  I’m proud to bear my name, because it was given to me by a great man.  I’m proud that my son has my name, because it means he has your name.  It means that he can look back, ponder these same things, and come to the realization that his name isn’t just what people call him, it’s a constant reminder of great men who come before us and lead us.  It’s a reminder that there is a blueprint we can look to when we’re not sure how to respond, what to say, or how to love.  It’s a responsibility because it requires good from me.  It requires action.  It requires me to analyze myself, to judge myself rightly (John 7:24?), and not just on what I appear to be.  It requires me to do something, to be better, to live up to something.  Not a burden.  Not always easy, sometimes difficult.  But it requires me to live to a standard set out. 

I’m proud to be your son, I’m proud to have your name, and I’m proud that you’re my Father.  I can’t even express my feelings with words, so “I love you” will have to do.