My Name is Faith

Yes, we have all heard the 'horror stories' of parents giving their off spring weird, ridiculous, hideous names. At the same time, most would not think my name 'Faith' is so bad. Some even think my name Faith is great, beautiful, and wonderful.

Ok you try living with it then. For years, I could not wait until I was old enough to change my name. I was sick and tired of 'Keep the Faith' and "Are your sisters Hope and Charity". Let me clear those two up right now. While I do have faith now, there were many years of my life I did not have any faith. Moreover, NO my sisters are not Hope and Charity.

How many famous people do you know named 'Faith'...? Oh, I can hear you all now 'Faith Hill' the country singer. Guess what she was not born Faith Hill, her birth name was Audrey Faith Perry. I will take it as a compliment that she decided to name herself after me. I sure haven't been able to talk any of my kids into naming their kids after me to this point.

So, now I am well past the age of being able to change my name. When I was 19 or 20 years old I spent hours and hours studying the 'Baby Names' books. I gave up! Reading the books cover to cover I could not for the life of me decide on a name I felt 'fit' me.

We will not stop with 'Faith' however. I was born 'Faith Alice Wright'. Yep you guessed it. I also got 'Hey Alice in Wonderland' and 'right not left' or 'so are you always right?"

By now, I am guessing you are wondering just what the point of this 'rambling' is. The point I am trying to make is no matter what you name your children there is going to be someone who will make fun of the name you picked.

There will also be children who hate their name and cannot wait to change it. My oldest son is another example of this. He too hated his name and could not wait to change his name. However, before getting around to a name change he fathered his first child. When his son was born, they named him after his father with a 'Jr.' on the end but we call my grandson by his middle name not his first.

I like to think I grew into my name and can honestly say now I love my name Faith. It is me, who I am as well as what I am about. True there are times my faith is shaken or forgotten for short periods but I am convinced if not my own faith the faith of others is what has gotten me to the place I am now. The comments such as 'we have faith in you,' (often with a giggle at the end) warm my heart and reminds me what is most important.

Another great advantage to my name Faith is there is an abundance of gifts with my name on them. As I set here writing I can look around the room and see several I have received over the years. The candleholder from a friend, the angel from a sister, the calendar from another friend and the wind chime from my Mom are only a few.

My advice to parents preparing to name their children - think of all the nicknames or jokes that may come with the name and be prepared to help your child grow into the name you select for them.

One of my favorite 'faith verses' is Matthew 17:20 "And Jesus said unto them, Because of your unbelief: for verily I say unto you, If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you." (King James Version)

Added note: I am seriously thinking about going back to my maiden name, just because! I can hear it now 'Faith Wright writes, right?' Catchy isn't it?