I did not sign my name or have anyone call me ‘sweet sand’, this was given to me by my parents. They would affectionately refer to me in this way through letters they wrote or sometimes just addressing me personally, not in public! As I reflect, being sweet was not always an obvious trait! Maybe they had hopes I would be sweeter with this chosen nickname!?! They named me Sandee, but gave me another ‘name’ to hold onto that made me feel special. I know many friends or family that have given their own kids adorable nicknames and without even realizing it, suited them perfectly. I then used the affectionate name as well, it made them feel welcomed.
I loved giving nicknames to our kids when they were young and I know they enjoyed it as well. Then they grew up and our ‘peanut’, or ‘boobear’ weren’t so little anymore and saying that name out loud may not have been the best choice beyond our own walls. Camp often becomes a place of nicknames too. You become known for something and the name just sticks. The campers make it a mission to uncover the real name and often never do! Camp names are remembered for many years and eventually are forgotten or not used anymore. The memory though lives on!

God, in his infinite wisdom has given us names.

The most wonderful news is that we never grow out of being called his children, “See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are” (1 John 1:3).
Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God— (John 1:12).

We never grow out of being called his beloved, Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God (Ephesians 5:1).

We never grow out being of his friend, “No longer do I call you servants, for the servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all that I have heard from my Father I have made known to you” (John 15:15).

We never grow out of being called his children, beloved and friend. Just as we refer to our kids affectionately, our heavenly father loves us infinitely more and we are his,

” But now, this is what the Lord says—
    he who created you, Jacob,
    he who formed you, Israel:
“Do not fear, for I have redeemed you;
    I have summoned you by name; you are mine.
² When you pass through the waters,
    I will be with you;
and when you pass through the rivers,
    they will not sweep over you.
When you walk through the fire,
    you will not be burned;
    the flames will not set you ablaze.
³ For I am the Lord your God,
    the Holy One of Israel, your Savior ” (Isaiah 43:1-3).

One response to “It’s all in a name”

1. Best words for starters-Love it❣️
   Well done❌⭕️

   Reply