What's in a Name?

Mike Hosey, Elder

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What's in a name?  Maybe not as much as there used to be. Today we seem to name things because we like the sound of the name we assign.

But in the past we named things in order to record a heritage or lineage, or to associate the object being named with a particular characteristic.

So if you had a name like Windy Bridges, for instance, you were probably the blustery, tempestuous daughter of the local bridge keeper, or possibly the blustery, tempestuous daughter in the clan that lived near or under the local bridge.

If your name was Ron Fletcher, you likely fashioned arrows for your local bowmen; a fletcher is an arrow maker.  And you might have been considered wise. The name Ronald, in Gaelic, generally means one who rules with godlike counsel and power. 

Our "all-purpose" pastor, Damon Baudoin, has a particularly gallant name. In the past, that name would have had profound meaning. Damon, in ancient Greek legends, was the devoted friend of Pythias.

Pythias was falsely charged for plotting against the ruler of Syracuse, Dionysius I, and sentenced to death. Pythias wished to go home to tell his family goodbye and set his house in order. Dionysius agreed on the condition that Damon be killed in his place if he should not return by the execution time.  Damon willingly accepted imprisonment and possible death for his friend. 

Pythias was delayed on his return by pirates, and had to swim back to Syracuse. He returned just before the execution. Dionysius pardoned them both because he was impressed with the loyalty of their friendship.

Interestingly, Baudoin, is the French rendering of the Germanic word Baldwin.  It means - quite plainly - bold and brave friend!

So what should all of this mean for those of us who have accepted Jesus as Lord, and are adopted into that family of God called "Christian?" Well, Jesus tells us in Mark 3:31-35. He says that those who do the will of God can claim that name.  Apparently, He didn't want family members "in name only."