A rose by any other name...

When I was growing up, at primary school at least, 'Emily' was a relatively uncommon name and if it was used it was usually directed at me!Even during secondary school I can only recall one or two others that crossed my path. Now however, be it in youth group or collecting children in the playground, if the name 'Emily' is called it appears that half a dozen people turn around to respond! With lots of my friends pregnant at the moment, choosing and thinking of names is a pretty big past time! According to a recent study, a name can make or break you in terms of success. It is being debated as to whether George Clooney would have shot to stardom sooner with a name like Ryan! Elizabeth and James are considered the most successful sounding first names, Lucy and Jack the luckiest and Sophie and Ryan the most attractive. But can a name determine our fate? For what it its worth I think a lot of snap judgements can be made when a name is presented before you on a piece of paper, but the challenge there in lies for us to see past the name or the face or the clothing style. I guess even when one of us blogs on here and uses the name 'Jesus' a number of thoughts may come to mind... a bible basher, a cold and grey church building, hymns, Christmas time and a manger, a good man who some people have chosen to idolise, an historical figure? 'He will be called wonderful counsellor, mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace, Emmanuel - God with us' - that is how scripture unravels and explores the significance of Jesus. Why not google the meaning behind your name?