Can you
believe it’s already November which means 2014 is right around the corner! This
is often the time of year we begin to think about doing things “anew”. Many are
preparing for the launch of the New Year. We're thinking about the resolutions that we might make, let alone keep. Whenever, I think about the start of
a new season, I reflect on the meaning that season
will have in my life. Who should I meet? What new endeavors should I
take on or let go of….
Recently, I
was having a conversation with a good friend who selected a name for her soon
to be born baby girl. She selected a name that she loves! The name honors both
maternal and paternal grandmothers (much to their delight) but is also has an
amazing meaning. In essence the name means “With grace and highly favored by
God.” WOW! Powerful and truly a beautiful name. Of course, it made me reflect
on the meaning of names. With a name like “Mothyna”, I’m constantly asked…what
does that mean? Well, while I have never seen it anywhere else, which means I’ve
never found a meaning for my name, I
tell folks all the time that I’d like to think it means something akin to “the
one whom God has blessed to bless others.” J I’m striving. Ok, so yes the point is
that I don’t know… it could mean that or something not so flattering. However,
going through this experience with my sister-friend made me think, what is the
true meaning of a name? How do we go forward to realize that meaning or can we?
How many
times have we met some beautiful lady with a name like Grace yet she is an
overly judgmental person or a man named Malik and he is certainly anything but
king like? I’m a huge fan of names with GREAT meaning. I believe when selecting
a name for a child or person, a name should inspire that person to stretch
their potential, but isn’t that only the starting point? The true meaning of a
name will be known when that person establishes a legacy through the way that
they live. No one looks up the “meaning” of Jada Pickett Smith’s name or Albert
Einstein’s and then says this is who they are? Rather we look to their actions,
their contributions to the society and the world in general. Quite frankly, it
appears those who will tell the “meaning” of your name are those you have
touched. Here at HWHN we continually share the meaning of Mrs. Vivian Ryan. To
us her name means far more than “lively”. It means the realization of a dream,
faith in the potential of the young, quiet elegance and strength. Why? Because
if it were not for Mrs. Vivian Ryan and the faith she had in a young 22 year
old, HWHN as you know it, would not be here today. For women like Mrs. Ryan,
who have nurtured the true meaning within women like us we are forever
grateful.
Our actions
are as much our definition as the words we may strive to live up to. Thus, the
true meaning of ones name lives in the amazing potential for greatness that exists
within them. Whether you “hate” your name or love it, its true value grows from
within- that essential part of you. So what does your name mean? Are you just living
up to your potential or blowing that concept out of the water knowing that your
potential is boundless? Are you getting rid of the people, places and things
that are limiting your growth? Don’t wait until the New Year, to begin anew,
rather each day, brings a new season. Each day is an opportunity to define the
meaning of your name. Today is anew…
About the Author:
Sister Mothyna James-Brightful is a self proclaimed “Self Love Revolutionary”. She
has spent the last decade empowering women and girls to live authentic
lives. Sister Mothyna is the Visionary Director and Co-founder of Heal a
Woman to Heal a Nation. Sister Mothyna is co-author of Because I am a Queen...100 Affirmations for Daily Living. Stay connected www.hwhn.org: Twitter @mothyna
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