Hi Ray and the Group,

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Once again, thank you Ray for a very informative session this morning.? A lot of interesting history, including wars and names (again!).

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During the last couple of weeks several email references have been made to names and their meanings – thank you to those who sent them through this Group.? Following on that thought, together with this morning’s class, how many of you considered the meanings of names when naming your own children??? I most certainly did.

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I was unable to have children for a couple of medical reasons.? Notwithstanding that, for a couple of years I prayed every day for a son, knowing it would take a miracle.? And it was!? and unbelievable as it was at the time, I was given a son.? I called him David – not that I particularly liked the name – it was the MEANING – “Beloved”.? He was never to be called Dave or Davey, which he never was to this day!

His second Christian name was that of his father.

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When my second son was born – on first glance I named him “Rod” – well actually “Rodney” for when he was a boy, knowing it would be shortened to Rod when he was adult.? And Rod has always been a “rod and staff” for me.? No prizes for guessing his second Christian name:? “John” – with all its Biblical inferences.

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The third son was named Stephen (for similar reasons as above)

His second Christian name was that of my father.

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My own name:? Both my parents continually told me they wanted a boy, expected a boy, and couldn’t accept the fact I was a girl when I popped out.? They had long chosen a name for me “Alan” which I have only now looked up the meaning – “rock, or harmony”.? Funny, as I have always strived for harmony in all relationships!?

Both parents told me I was nameless for more than a week before they could decide on a name for a Girl!

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I’m sure some of the group will have equally interesting stories to tell how you were named and whether or not you named your children for any special meaning or reason.? Anyone like to share?

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Cheers,

Merlene

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