'What's in a name? That which we call a rose by any other name would smell as sweet.' This famous line from Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet inspires us to think about our names. Do you like your first and middle names? Do they have a special meaning? Do they connect you to one or more of your family members? Names are chosen with love at our birth. They say who we are. They say who we might be - our parents' hopes and dreams for us. One of my favourite saints in the bible, the lesser known St. Barnabas, was named Joseph at his birth. Joseph means one who builds up. What a wonderful calling! Even better is the name that the early Church gave him - Barnabas, which means one who encourages. We see plenty of this in his life. Barnabas is the one who took Saul under his wing when everyone else was scared of him. He helped Saul to become the St. Paul we know and love. Barnabas became a coach to the young Mark and gave him a second chance.
Do be inspired by Barnabas - as I am - and seek to encourage others to grow and blossom. It is better to build up than to knock down!
God bless,
Revd Katrina