A New Name

 I hate my name.  Who would name a child Verlene?  Well I come from a long line of poorly named people.  My grandmother, Cora Lee, my grandfather Luther Eldon, my mother Frankie Odell, my father, Henry Avant Sapp Jr, (he went by Junior Sapp) are just a few.  I have aunts named Myrtle, Louella, Bessie, Adell, Madell (they were twins) and Dola.  I have uncles named Wyburn, Lymon,Woodrow and Herbert.  I don’t know how we went so wrong in a simple task like giving a name.

 The Bible tells us that if we know the Lord that our names will be recorded in heaven.  I know that my name, Verlene Sapp Bennet, is recorded there.  I rejoice that my name is there.  Maybe my name is special so that when God hears my name it is easier to remember.  He might have known that I needed a special name. 

 It has not been easy to be named Verlene.  I always have to spell it for people and they usually comment on how unusual it is.  Great!  I have come to terms with this name and understand that the important thing is what people know about me when they hear the name Verlene Sapp Bennett.  Do they think about a woman of integrity, a woman of faith a woman who loves the Lord with all of her heart?  Does my name bring honor to my family, my profession and my Lord?  What about your name?  What does your name mean to others?  Is your name recorded in the book of life?  I think when I get to heaven it will not matter what my name is. The only name that will matter is Jesus.

Luke 10:20
“Nevertheless do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rejoice that your names are recorded in heaven.”

Philippians 4:3
“Indeed, true comrade, I ask you also to help these women who have shared my struggle in the cause of the gospel, together with Clement also, and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the book of life.”

Proverbs 22:1
“A good name is to be more desired than great riches, favor is better than silver and gold.”