Our God is wonderful and mysterious in so many ways but one of the facets of His character that blesses me is that He is a name changer. All through the scriptures you will read accounts of God;s deliberate act of giving names. From Adam and Eve, Abraham, Jacob to all the places God named based on events and His purpose. God changed names of folks when He changed their lives. Jesus manifested this same spirit as the Father when He changed Simon’s name to Peter. Names are important to God, and the bible reveals that God knew our names before we were born (Is 43:1, Jer. 1:5) In addition to this God promises He will give all who know Him a new name one day in heaven, known only to us and Him (Rev 2:17, 3:12.)
As an adopted child, I have already undergone a few name changes already. I was given a name at birth, the foster home where I went for 3 months gave me a nickname and then when my parents adopted me, they gave me a new name as well. My friends gave me a nickname, and for many years I was referred to as Bo in some circles. My mom continued to call me this sometimes up until she died. Later, I married and yep, my name changed again. And then later in my career, a friend from England said the English slang version of Sharon was Shaz — and that caught on among colleagues at the hospital and at home. By the way, my children and Jim like to refer to me as Shaz!
That’s a lot of changing. Though I find most of my name history endearing, I am most excited about the new name God has for me in heaven. I have no idea what it will be, but I know, it will be beautiful. It will be beautiful because He selected it just for me. I am not sure why He will change it? Maybe it’s because the scriptures say old things will pass away. I wish I could say everything about my name is good, but it has some tarnish, heartbreak and failure associated with it. When God gives me my new name, I will start off in heaven with a glorified perfectly healed body and a new name to go with it. God will not abandon my identity; He has been transforming me all along. Heaven will be the culmination of that process, and only a new name given by Him will be suitable. Though I have loved all (mostly)my names given by others, ultimately I belong to God and He is my creator. It is only right that He should name me.
As the day approached for the court hearing to finalize Daryl’s adoption, my parents said they struggled with Daryl’s resistance to change His name from Kirby to Phillips. My parents concern was not based on ego but rather for Daryl’s well being. He would be starting school and would be known by his legal name. They had already struggled at the hospital and eye dr appointments over this issue. Daryl continued to respond that he liked the Daryl Edison part but was still a Kirby. My dad said he would respond by saying, “That’s’ okay, I love Daryl Kirby.” I often cry when I think on this. It gives me a picture of Jesus and His pursuit of us. How God wants the orphaned lost to come home and take His name. How hurtful our rejection of Him must be. I am overwhelmed how He loves us even in our desperate attempt to hold on to our “Kirbyness.”
After much prayer and discussion with each other, my mom decided to build a tent in the corner of the dining room. She bought treats, games and activities like old maid and jacks and invited Daryl in to play. It was a special place of pretending and Mom suggested they swap names while in the tent. She would be a Kirby as well. Then they took turns being a Phillips. When play time was over, Daryl came out and resumed his name. Each day playtime increased. This went on long enough until one day Daryl said,”don’t be Kirby, lets both be a phillips. Let’s have the same name.” My mom said she rejoiced in her heart for she knew Daryl was learning to trust being part of a family. Not long after, Daryl asked if he could be a Phillips all the time? My mom said she told him, “Of course, I love Daryl Kirby Phillips.” She said her heart somersaulted when Daryl said, “No I’m your boy. My new name is gonna be Phillips.” She assured him he could be Kirby anytime he needed. Mom shared that a few times when he was mad and had to submit to rules, he would tearfully say, “I don’t like Phillips’.” She once again assured him it was ok. Eventually, Daryl embraced his new name, and when asked what he was most excited about now that school was starting, He said “I get to wear a name tag with my new name on it. Daryl Edison Phillips.”
My parents learned to accept small victories along the way of helping restore my brother. Offering him a loving home and security. Changing his name was a priority, but helping his heart to trust after such upheaval and trauma opened the door to his new identity. Daryl embraced his name, and was so proud to carry our Dad’s name as his middle name. We used to laugh growing up saying he was the lucky one. At least Dad had a decent name. We pretended it was British and would pronounce it in an English accent. Mom said she spared me”Beulah” because it was an ‘old name’ and not suitable for a little blond baby girl (Thank God!). We laughed together over this many times at family gatherings — more on this later. I believe in the way my parents demonstrated their love and care for Daryl, it is modeled after how God patiently loves and cares for us. He alone offers security, trust, and faithfulness while we learn to trust and depend on Him. If we are wise, we will come to know through His love that He is our Home, our harbor and refuge, our sanctuary. He has chosen us! He is patiently waiting for us to choose Him. When I get to heaven, I will be Like Daryl when he started school, I will get to wear a name tag and my new name will be on it.
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