Out of curiosity today I decided to do some research and find out what Lori meant. As I'm searching I find it means crowned with Laurel. Then I got to wondering; what in the world is Laurel? Laurel is some type of aromatic tree. And, in the process of researching this I found out that a laurel wreath is a wreath of laurel foliage worn on the head as an emblem of victory. Hmmmm....an emblem of victory. I like that!
So, naturally, me being me, I started looking up all the names in my family. Shane means God is gracious. Kristina, well that means Christ bearer. Gabriel means hero of God (I like that!). Helen (my Momma), her name means light and yes, my Momma is a ray of light! Duane (my Daddy) his name means wagon maker (what in the world?! haha). Lisa (my sister), well her name means consecrated to God and her husband John, his name means God is gracious, merciful. Ryan, Kristina's boyfriend who we look at as one of the family, means young royalty, Samuel (my nephew) means God's word and my little rascal of a nephew John William, well his name means God is gracious, merciful, protector. I have two nieces, Lauren and Jessi (Jessica) and Lauren means crowned with Laurel as well, but Jessica means wealthy.
I found all of our name meanings quite interesting and even some a little comical. In a way our names really fit us. Even my Daddy's! You see it doesn't matter what is broken my Daddy can fix it! My Daddy takes alot of pride in keeping things running and he is really good at it! I often find myself calling my Daddy to fix this or that at my house before even giving Shane a chance. Why? Because my Daddy is the fixer...the wagon maker! He can fix just about anything and believe it or not he can fix broken hearts! Many, many a day my Daddy fixed my broken heart as a child!! And, truth be told, he does it now! There's just something about my Daddy! And, if the meaning of names means anything at all, Jessi, Aunt Lori will be living with you in the years to come since you'll be "wealthy"!! hee hee And, if you know John William, well, God must be gracious and merciful because that little one is full of energy! He has my Grannie's mischief and uses is regularly! haha
So, then I got to thinking about Jesus and how specific God was about His name! "And she will have a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins." Matthew 1:21 (NLT). As I searched the name Jesus I found that in today's world that name means God will help. How interesting! Just the name of Jesus can bring me peace and I can feel a wave of calmness flow over me. I am confident knowing that He is my friend. No other friend has died for me! No other friend has carried me when I didn't have the strength to walk. No other friend truly knows my deepest darkest secrets and loves me anyway! He saved me! And, today, He is still saving me! What's in a name? I'd have to say everything!
