Ahhhh...What's in a name?

In the beginning, Adam named the creatures. When we are born, our parents name us. When we are in trouble, our parents remind us of our names. Heck, sometimes you can tell how much trouble you're in by how many names they use. You know you're in trouble when they start ADDING names that aren't really yours...

Anyway, names are kind of a big deal. I mean really, without one how would people address you?

They wouldn't. And in fact, I think often we don't. We just don't name things how we used to. Adding a person's name to a statement adds a certain emphasis that indicates you actually thought about it and wanted to draw their attention to it. Think of how you might close a phone conversation with your mother:

Mom: "I love you"
You: "luvyoutoo"

There's nothing really WRONG with this, but there's not much RIGHT with it either. Consider the alternative:

Mom: "I love you"
You: "I love you too Mom."

Your mother's given name isn't even "mom" but somehow it subtly implies that you actually mean it. You are essentially saying "I love you" and specifically saying who "you" is. This sort of naming is at the very core of why we name things to begin with. Names are significant because they are how we call up memories and perceptions of people. Do you know a Steven? How about a Steve? When you think of those two names, I would venture that you probably think of a specific person. And when you think of Steven, you probably don't think of Steve.

Yeah but why bother with names? We have technology to handle that for us. Most if not all instant messengers have names to tell us who we're talking to and with caller ID, we don't need to be reminded of who we're talking to. Try answering your phone WITHOUT looking at the screen first and see how many people actually tell you who they are when you answer. Or even better, when YOU call.

To make this more personal, I know the most meaningful things that have been said to me have been said explicitly to me. Whether I was told that I was loved, that I did a good job, or that there some area of my life that needed improvement. Names are important and not to be disregarded lightly.

What's in a name? Me. It's like a snapshot of all that I was, all that I am, and a foreshadowing of who I will continue to grow into. My name is Jack. Nice to meet you.