What's in a Name?

What’s In A Name…. By LaKisha M. Johnson

Series: From Boys to Men

1 Chronicles 4:9, “Jabez was more honorable than his brothers. His mother had named him Jabez, saying, "I gave birth to him in pain."

I am sure that Jabez’s mom wasn’t thinking about the significance of her actions, I am sure she just thought about her present situation. Her birth of Jabez reminded her of a painful moment in her life, and so she wanted to mark that with a memory, with a name. The significant part of his story, is that he rose above it (that’s an entire different lesson). In raising boys to men, what we call them, what we say to them is so significant as mother’s, as parents. I am not sure we realize that our words will chart their course in life (Proverbs 18:21). My son Judah, is strong his middle name is Michael, he is a warrior. However recently I had begun to refer to him as being “gangsta”, what I meant was he wouldn’t take any stuff. The Holy Spirit reminded me that the world had a different perception of what “gangsta” means. The Holy Spirit said, you need to call him by what you see, what you want him to be.

There is a lot in a name, what we say to them and about them, gives them the road map for them in life. So if you want them to be your “little stinker”, “fat man”, “boo boo”, “mistake”, “chump” and whatever else that you call them, remember you take the chance for them to go that way. You have to speak to where you want to “see” them, what you want for their future (Proverbs 22:6). Your mouth is a part of their training process. So ask yourself, what am I calling them?

Prayer: Father let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in your sight. You are my strength you are my redeemer. In Jesus Name. Amen

LaKisha M. Johnson is mom, author, motivational speaker, minister and teacher. She is the host of Coffee and Conversations on “facebook live” Monday-Friday at 5:00 am central standard time and Saturdays at 8:00 am central standard time. She hosts a pajama party for women, “Pillow Talk” several times throughout the year, walking them through God inspired truths, while providing a place of vulnerability and transparency to talk. To find out more information on her log on to lakishamjohnson.com and follow her on social media @justbeinglmj.