Aug 1, 2005

One Who Heals

Recently in a graduate couseling course I read Henri Nouwen's book, "Wounded Healer" (1972). I was asked to remark on several key quotes and I came across a discovery I wanted to discuss. As I was writing my response paper I had a brief flashback to an early time in my life when my parents gave me a bookmark with my name, it's origin, and meaning printed on it.

My name is Jason, which translates from the Greek, "One Who Heals." At the time I wondered whether this prophetic bookmark was telling me I was going to be a doctor. Later, I began to realize a draw toward helping professions such as education, ministry, psychology, and medicine.

As I look back I wonder how much of our calling or vocation is determined by others expectations of us, outside sources and experiences, or even the meaning of our name. I wonder if anyone else out there has a similar story of their name aligning with their current calling or vocation (I am in Education now) and whether you have ever thought of this before.

Check out your name's definition and let me know what you think of my theory...

12 comments:

Tim said...

My name is Greek ... "honoring God" ...interesting.

Phil Stuller said...

you could be right, mine is Greek and means loving, I guess that works for me.

fetzer said...

My name means God's peace. Maybe that's why I didn't join the military?

Also, I don't think I brought much peace to your parents while we were growing up.

Jared said...

mine means: "really, really good looking." But that's not in greek or anything.

DAKOTARANGER said...

Mine means rock or crag. I guess that explains why the Republicans lack of a backbone torques me off.

Probably will mean I will never get a diplomatic posistion.

DAKOTARANGER said...

I wonder if my folks figured I would be as stuborn as I am?

cujo said...

mine means Christ bearer, so it fits my calling to a "T"

Kara said...

My name is Greek and means pure...but from my Greek classes it also means Joy. This is interesting because my middle name is also Joy...humm I guess I create Pure Joy :)

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Heidi said...

My name is German in its origin. The Christians always put a nice spin on it with their bookmarks and name cards: honorable. The real meaning of Heidi, however, is "battle maiden." That actually explains alot...

tonymyles said...

I know what my earthly name means.

How cool will it be when one day Jesus hands me a stone with a new name on it? (Rev 2:17)

Anonymous said...

My name means "beloved." I used to think that was so lame (maybe I'd rather be a warrior maiden), but I'm learning to grow into it as I learn what it means to be loved by God. Whenever a verse is addressed to "beloved," I take particular notice!