What Is in A Name?
Have you ever looked up the meaning of your name?
In biblical times your name was not picked from a book of the ‘Most Popular Names for Boys and Girls in 253 B.C.’, names had meaning.
Lately, I have been thinking a lot about Jabez. Jabez had a name that followed him everywhere he went from the day he was born. His mother named him Jabez, which meant “he causes pain.”
Maybe his mother called him that so she would be reminded of the agony of childbirth, or perhaps she named him Jabez so she could remember how she survived something she thought she might not.
Some Hebrews named their children based on the vision they had for their lives.
Jabez’ mother could have foreseen something in his future that would cause great pain.
Regardless of why or how Jabez was named, the poor guy walked around carrying a warning sign for others to stay away from him because his very name proclaimed who he was and what he would bring with him.
My husband and I recently investigated the meanings of our names. What we found was eye-opening. When my husband read his name meant ‘someone who takes what is not theirs,’ he jumped up and said, “how do I get a new name?” His worried expression told me he was not playing around. He wanted a name he could be proud of and one that did not have negative connotations attached to it; I expect that must have been how Jabez must have felt about his name too.
Jabez did not let his name keep him from being a man who loved the Lord and one of prayer. I am happy to report that my husband is also a man of God and a mighty pray-er.
One day Jabez stood before the Lord and prayed, “Oh, that you would bless me and enlarge my territory! Let your hand be with me and keep me from harm so that I will be free from pain.” (1 Chronicles 4:10).
Do you want to know what happened next? Scripture tells us God granted his request. Just like that. Before Jabez wrapped up his prayer, God honored his plea with a resounding YES.
God cares about the names people have given us. He cares about the names we have given ourselves. Names like stupid, fat, lazy, divorced, skinny, ugly, abandoned, and so many more that we have taken on as our label, names that we have let define us.
What if, instead of accepting those names we cry out to God as Jabez did and asked for His hand to be with us and that He would keep us from being called those names again?
God has names He is waiting to give us if we ask for them.
He calls us chosen, righteous, the head and not the tail, the first and not the last.
I encourage you to read the story of Jabez this week. Let God show you the names that have been placed upon you, and ask Him to show you the names He wants to call you. Ask Him to call you those names; ask Him to extend your tent pegs so you can influence those around you for His names sake. He will answer you. And He will answer you far quicker than you could ever imagine.
“He has a plan for you, and it is a good one!” Jeremiah 29:11
Pamela Fair
Maya Angelou once said, "You may not control all the events that happen to you, but you can decide not to be reduced by them." This statement resonates with me. My past experiences have made me a stronger person eager to use my story to inspire and help others see that regardless of who they are or where they have been, there is always hope and to know the ability to rise above circumstances lies within.
Each day, I strive to walk in faith and hope surrounded by my family and friends' love and encouragement. I am blessed to have a life full of experiences, some good, some bad, and my ambition is to use those experiences to enrich those around me. I am a local business owner and church Executive Assistant in Highland, Arkansas. I am a wife, mother, grandmother, and student.
My passion is to help those in need who are ready and willing to do the necessary work it takes to help themselves. Assisting individuals who have experienced trauma, loss, stress, grief, and various life changes are the drive behind attending Southwestern Assemblies of God University to obtain my associate degree in Human Services. I plan to further my education in this field by getting my bachelor's degree in behavioral health. I hope to use my experiences and knowledge to encourage, strengthen, and facilitate assistance to those who are in need.
I am also working alongside my husband in the community as an Automotive Collision Repair Facility owner. It has been a great privilege to assist my husband in pursuing his lifelong dream. We enjoy our work together, and it is an exciting experience for me to learn his field of expertise and engage with so many phenomenal people in our area.
I am a fun-loving individual who thrives on living life and pursuing dreams! I am an avid chess player, a lover of all things feline, and a big fan of essential oils! At the age of 50, I decided to return to school to earn my GED. Since then, I have become a member of Phi Theta Kappa and a Notary Public. I have completed credentials for ministry, became a certified grant writer, trained in hospital chaplaincy, and certified in Christ-Centered leadership. Additionally, I am a member of the North American Christian Social Workers Association (NACSW), where I have been trained in "The Role of Christian Faith and Spirituality in the Grieving Process" and "Suicide Prevention for Christians in Social Work." I am an active member of the Spring River Chamber of Commerce and the Spring River Car Club.
My faith is a huge part of my desire and passion for helping others. I strive to always be, as Christ, a light in this world and in the lives of others. In John 8:12, Jesus says, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life." I endeavor to help others see the light in the darkness.
About Beautiful Feet:
Romans 10:15 (NIV)
And how can they preach unless they are sent? As it is written, "How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!"
"For every circumstance and season of life, God has promises that offer direction, peace, perspective and wisdom. "Bible Promises for You" is a collection of promises taken from the New International Version of the Bible and is categorized by topic for easy reference."
God led Jimmy and Pam Fair, in 2015, to partner with Highland Assembly of God, to GIVE Bible Promise Books, Devotionals, and Bibles to anyone who needs direction, peace, perspective, and wisdom.
Contact Highland Assembly or Pam Fair for more information.
870-856-3886
