What’s in a Name?

ACFWAuthors and writing, Encouragement, Friends of ACFW, writing 1 Comment

By Terri Gillespie

A good name is to be chosen rather than great wealth, and grace rather than silver or gold. Proverbs 22:1, TLV

When people hear our name, what do they think?

We may want people to think of what we have published or written, but that’s only a small part of who we are. What about our ancestors? Our parents? Children? Our honesty? Integrity? Graciousness? Loyalty? Godliness? Compassion? Our faith?

Our name carries our history—the good and bad. The wise or poor decisions we make—especially when they affect others—attach themselves to our name.

As writers—published or pre-published—it’s important to remember this: When our decisions or actions affect others, we need to be especially careful. Things like seeking wise counsel. Arriving on time. Meeting our obligations and deadlines. Seemingly small blips on our radar, may actually impact others significantly.

This is not about people-pleasing, this is about being aware that many of our actions and decisions have repercussions. And those repercussions clothe our name.

We are blessed that our Heavenly Father forgives us. Unfortunately, humanity doesn’t always forgive—or forget. Our Father will help us walk through those situations, but wouldn’t it be more ideal to avoid them altogether?

Hubby and I live in a small town. Here, your name and reputation are especially important because everyone seems to know everyone. Since we’re new residents and don’t know many of the locals, I’ve seen in real life the significance of a good name.

We have encountered folks, in their attempt to be helpful, that share who and why certain people are trustworthy or not trustworthy. Regrettably, before I’ve ever met these individuals, I have an opinion of them. Very sobering to realize others could be doing the same with me.

It’s been said that a happy customer will tell 3-5 people, an unhappy customer 10-15. The Christian publishing world is a small “town.” Our name can imply a positive or negative inference. With the entrance of social media, and folks’ predilection for focusing on the negative, the unhappy customer may end up telling thousands—tens of thousands. Yikes.

Good and wholesome.

How about we focus on the positive—what our name could represent that is good and wholesome—as writers.

I would love to achieve the lofty goal of Proverbs 14:19, “Evil men will bow in the presence of the good, and the wicked at the gates of the righteous.” Wouldn’t you?

To achieve that goal means we live a life of integrity. Not our definition of integrity, but God’s explanation.

What does our name represent? If we are unsure where we are on the integrity thermometer, seek the LORD. He will show each of us. Not in condemnation, but with a Fatherly approach. Just a head’s up, that may involve us forgiving and seeking forgiveness from others.

On this faith and writing journey, as we learn, holy characteristics will attach themselves to our name. The fruits of the Holy Spirit will shine.

Although our past may be tainted by mistakes and poor judgment, from this day forward, our Father can teach us how to make our name worth more than silver and gold.

May our name be good, my friends. Happy writing!

What's in a name? @TerriGMavens #ACFWBlogs #writetip #critiques #ACFWCommunity Click To Tweet Our actions and decisions clothe our name. @TerriGMavens #ACFWBlogs #writetip #critiques #ACFWCommunity Click To Tweet

Terri Gillespie is VP of the NWGA ACFW chapter and hopes her name is well clothed. Her first traditionally published book was Making Eye Contact with God—A Weekly Women’s Devotional. She has won various fiction awards and has a new Fall release, Sweet Rivalry. Member: ACFW, CAN, AWSA

 

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