Genesis 12:2

“And I will (make your name great) of you a great nation, and I will bless you [with abundant increase of favors] and make your name famous and distinguished, and you will be a blessing [dispensing good to others].” (AMP. version )

My family had this  game we would play with our children when they were younger and we would say ”What’s your name? – they would emphatically reply: ‘O-W-E-N-S: ‘Overcoming  Winners Energized by the Need to Succeed!’

I believe the name emphasis really does encourage them to be successful – but it also makes them think about their worth and value. I believe everyone has a name on earth, and  also one in heaven.

 I received my name change early; before I made it to heaven. Six years ago, I was in Johannesburg South Africa. I was renamed. I remember exactly where I was – and what I was doing. My pride in who I was and what I had achieved –especially in  that unique moment -(with God’s help of course) was at its peak. I had ‘graduated’ in a sense, because I had been with my South African family for one week or so, and they lovingly informed me that after staying with them a few days, I would be ‘named’ by them as a family and they would give me an African name. Of course, I was ecstatic, wondering what they’d see in me!

One night, I was trying on South African garb that my friend “Bubbly” had made, and she and her daughters, Rose and Ama watched as I paraded around the room with South African pride in what I wore. Suddenly, one of the beautiful daughters – Ama- whose name means love- called out: Nthabiseng!!!

I looked at her, with inquisitiveness, and smiled, and everyone nodded in agreement and smiled. I asked what she had said, and she said:” Your name: it’s  Nthabiseng: Make Me Happy!” This was a very special moment for me, because just that same day, Ama and I had a very special moment and we prayed together. She was struggling with her school work, and needed to be validated that she was capable, I saw that need and prayed with her to have breakthrough. When she said my name -  I laughed… and  cried inside to be honest, because I was literally at the threshold of one of the greatest challenges of my life. It would involve me making major decisions to move into  a greater place of securing my happiness. From this point on I never made a decision again that didn’t make me happy. I believe I am where I am today, because happiness has been something I pursued from that moment forward. This literal name change – pushed me into one of the greatest and most significant moves of my life. Catapulted me into a courageous place, and secured my destiny, forever.

I know the name my parents gave me is blessed ~and Awesome. (I am not confused by that. ) In fact,  I had already created a name for my self that gave me power.  Jennifer means “white wave” ~ I had always envisioned a HUGE tidal wave coming on the shower with power to enrapture and capture anything in its path.  I was even further encouraged when I was renamed – because my name now meant: “One who has amazing power to Make People Happy!” When I went to Africa, I told the young people there when I spoke to them, that I admired their ability to change their names and give them “flavor” if they were not pleased with their meaning. Their names were powerfully perfect! They made me smile just hearing them. In hearing their names, I began to encourage them with the power of their names. ( I will post my poem I wrote for them, as inspiration… soon.)

Naming is such a sacred, ceremonial act. Here’s how God used ( some humor) and definitely His power~ to make his people more significant by the changing of their names.


Jacob ’s name was  changed from ‘Supplanter‘ to Israel - (One who takes authority of another illegally, to  One who Rules with God.)

Abraham’s name was  changed from: (Exalted Father – (Abram)  to Father of Many Nations.) Powerful.

Sarah’s name was  changed from : Princess to “ Lady of high rank & refinement.” ~ (Sarai)

Isaac: Means laughter ~ (‘Laughter’ being the expression of what His mother ~said when God said she’d have a baby at ninety years old!)

All of their name changes – ( like my own) - pushed them into another realm of being and doing. God wants to make your name greater than it’s ever been before. He wants to grace you with a purpose during your struggle.  For many of them, their names supposed that God could do exceedingly and abundantly above whatever we think and imagine… (Eph 3:20).  This is because your name in heaven has much more significance and power than you will ever know. Its what God calls you when he knows your potential. Take advantage of this season, and ask your Daddy~ your heavenly Father ~ So…What’s my name??

Be blessed … to all the Nthabi’s out there in the world waiting to be borne!  Yes!!

Selah.

In Him, JenRene.

This was a pic of me in Kuma, S. Africa, after speaking to community leaders at the Towne Hall ( Behind me…).~ May 30, 2003