Made of Iron

The other night I watched the movie The Iron Lady, a movie commemorating the life and achievements of the late Margaret Thatcher. Towards the beginning of the movie, the character of Thatcher is met with praise from a young woman stated Mrs. Thatcher had a significant impact on her life and that she was inspired to "be somebody", to which the elderly Thatcher replied, "In my day, it was about 'doing' something. Now it has become 'being' something."

Throughout the movie, there is a theme of "doing". The Iron Lady of good ole Britain did not strive to "be someone". No, she strived to DO something.  There is a significant difference between the two, and the latter often produces better results. There is a notable difference between the man that strives to be the leader of the free world and the man that strives to do something to make the world a better place. Comparatively speaking, it is the difference between President Washington and President...Clinton (I'll refrain from speaking about our current president out of respect. For though I am not a fan, I will respect the position that God has allowed him to be in).

So in my own life, I must begin to question my heart and ask myself "what is your goal, to be or to do?" I have a dear friend who's desire is to start an organization that reaches our to prostitutes and pimps; to make a difference in their lives and bring truth and healing to both the offended and the offender. She is not striving to "be" but to "do". She does not desire fame and power, but instead to make a difference in the lives of the hurting and the broken.

For too long I have reflected and contemplated the concept of "being someone" and it now I realize that my focus is in the wrong place. Let me not be, instead let me do. I am a Christian, let me do Christianity. Let me act and make a difference rather than try to make a reputation or a name for myself. I will become what I do--the action comes first.

Grace and Peace,

Stephen. 

What's in a Name?

I have been working at Dillard's Inc. for nearly 6 months now, and about two months ago I received my name tag! (No, you're right, I was supposed to receive it sooner than that). After receiving the the name tag, I noticed very little change. People still asked if I worked there, but people ask me that even when I'm dressed way down and off the clock...and even when I'm in Krogger's! This past weekend, however, I have noticed a bizarre change in my customers. They have nearly all begun to thank me by name!

This might not seem significant in passing thought, but I noticed a change in my reception of the typical "thanks" given as I wish the customers farewell. There is something that hits me when I hear my name spoken. Why? The brain is a marvelous device of processing and thought, and perhaps it is my brain picking up on the unusual stating of my name and the attempt to process this is what stirs that feeling in my stomach.

Let's take that a step further. Not only is it unusual for me to hear customers state my name, but in doing so that have exerted additional effort to make their thanks more personal. They took the time to search for my name and then state it, knowing good and well that in doing so that were making a relational, personal move in their expressing gratitude. That means something. What caught me even more off guard was when customers came back and called my name from afar, thereby showing more effort to remember my name rather than simply state it in one brief moment.

A name is personal, meaningful, and identifying. It separates one from another, is used to make social ques or state relationship. For example, one who has deeper relationship with another might take the extra time to say their first name, while another with a more shallow relationship (perhaps one strictly based around sports) will use the last name. Nicknames also serve this function of bearing identity, or of hiding identity.

I have often thought about changing my name, and the only reason I did not was to avoid offending my parents. I did not want my parents to take my name change as a slap in the face, and being a 2nd makes that even more prominent. What I have noticed through this weekend's experience is that I cherish my name. I hold it dear to me because I am recognized by it. When my friends us it they are honoring me and saying "I recognize you as an individual. You are you and I am I; I realize your separateness and value it."

What do you think of your name or nickname? Do you wish you could change your name? If so, why? How do names affect your world and what would life be like without them?

Peace be with you,

Stephen