National Name Yourself Day

– Ponderings:

According to the internet, today, April 9, is National Unicorn Day, National Chinese Almond Cookie Day, and National Name Yourself Day. I can’t grasp celebrating a fictional animal, and I don’t know where to get a Chinese almond cookie, assuming I wanted to celebrate it in the first place. That leaves the “name yourself” thing, which frankly had me at a loss. So, I did a little digging.

Today is a day for you to invent a new name for yourself (but just for today). The website says, “This day is about having fun with a different name.” Actors, by way of example, get to take on new names and adopt different personas, and often enjoy immersing themselves in different roles. Of course, they are stepping into a role created by someone else for them. This is different. So, what name would you choose for yourself?

“But now, this is what the Lord says, he who created you, O Jacob, and he who formed you, O Israel: ‘Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name; you are mine.'” (Isaiah 43:1). In John 10, Jesus says that he is the Good Shepherd and we are his sheep. We hear his voice, and he calls us by name.

There’s something deeply personal in being called by name. It cuts through the noise of life, the chaos of the world, and the clutter of our thoughts. It reminds us that we aren’t forgotten; we are known. Whatever we face in life, in times of silence and struggle, we are never alone. We belong to a God who claimed and saved, and knows us by name. These words anchor us: “Do not fear.”

We belong to God, not because we have it all together, but because God’s love claims us. Lent isn’t about earning God’s love or proving our worth; it’s about remembering who we are in Christ and returning to that relationship. Do you hear God calling you by name? Take time to listen, and hear words of love and invitation. The God who formed you is still speaking. Still calling. Still claiming you as his own.

Prayer: Lord, in this season of reflection, help me remember who I am—and more importantly, whose I am. When I feel lost or unworthy, whisper my name once more. Let my love for others be shaped by your redeeming love for me. Amen.

PS – Did you come up with a name? I haven’t yet. I’ve never been thrilled with Denise, but never hated it either. I’m just thankful I wasn’t named after my grandmothers. I’d either be Benetah Olive or Olive Benetah (yikes!).