What's in a name?

I have been Randi Sue since birth. A name my parents collaborated to give their second born and youngest daughter. Randi coming from my mom's side, given in memory of her brother, Randy, who passed away before my birth. Sue coming from my dad's side, handed down from his mom, my paternal grandmother, Billye Sue.

Nothing was more appropriate for this small town Oklahoma girl than a two part name.

I find it interesting the power of a name. With the sound of "Babe" from my husband, I shift focus to him and ready to help with any request. My mom still calls me "Randi Sue" when I'm in trouble, which is still often. :-) When my daughter, age 8, calls "Mommy" and my heart leaps ready to come to her aid. Even knowing, as "Mommy", I am soon to be transitioned to "Mom" or "Bruh" as she enters her tween years.

My favorite name was given to me 12 years ago. It's a name I answer to now whoever calls it. My step-daughters, my husband, my family, friends, my teenage daughter's friends, a name I sign on birthday cards, to-go dinner boxes and text messages.

13 years ago, my only sister and her husband having been married for 10 years, they welcomed my niece into the world. As the first baby in the family, she quickly become the focal point for all of us. My parents having their first grandchild, me having my first niece/nephew, and my sister her first child. It's fair to say our world's revolved around her. I had hoped to be called "Auntie Randi." However, my niece had other plans. When she was old enough she started to call me Ree and the name stuck and now this is what my entire family calls me.

There's a lot in a name for me. Each name I have been given is special to me and holds meaning so it would be hard to pick a favorite. Mommy means the baby (age 8) needs me. Ree means someone who is close to me. Randi means I'm working. Aside from the obvious reaction I would have if I was called something derogatory, I react differently when I'm called different names. For example, my husband most often calls me Babe or refers to me as Ree in conversation. I have heard him call me Randi only a handful of times and it always catches me off guard.

Thoughts to ponder:

1. What are some of your favorite names given to you?

2. Why are these so special?

3. Do you act and react differently based on the name used?

4. What does God say about a name?

   1. John 10:3 - "The sheep hear his voice; and he calls his own sheep by name."

   2. Isaiah 45:4 - "I call you by your name, though you do not know me"

   3. Psalms 91:14 - "Because he holds fast to me in love, I will deliver him; I will protect him, because he knows my name"

This is Ree, the mom, aunt and bonus mom.

This is Randi, the professional.