What's in A Name?

We're so excited to welcome Melissa back as our guest. We've been so blessed to be a part of Beautiful Feet Global Outreach. In an effort to bring more awareness to the orphans in Zimbabwe we're making a change to the way we name our furniture pieces as Melissa so beautifully explains...

Do you name the things in your life that you hold a special fondness for?  Once upon a time, I named my car.  I had snagged a great deal on the ideal car for myself at the time.  What I loved about it, being a young single mom back then was that it was big, comfy and safe.  That car reminded me of my grandmother (aka maw-maw).  My maw-maw was a large woman and made snuggling extra cozy.  She also was fierce when she needed to be, a protector.  So, I named my car, Bernice.  I loved her.  I loved them both.

When my second son was born, 15 years after my first, I recall having an intense feeling in my gut that he needed a special name.  I had been learning through bible studies that many parents throughout history gave their child a name based on a feeling (about the child) or a circumstance going on in life at that moment.  Some children were given wonderful names, meaning strength or hope, while others unfortunately were given names that signified the troubles upon that family.  I wanted my next child to have a name that might seal his destiny.  For this reason, we gave him the name Asher, which according to Old Testament history means “blessed” and “happy”.  If nothing else, above all we want him to be happy all of his days.

If you’ve been around the Vintage Shabby Chicks blog for long, you know that they like to name their restored furniture pieces.  Once that old hunk of junk gets a new life, it gets a new name.  This is also a trend with African orphans.  Once they have been rescued from their destitution and despair, most of them are given new names as well.  Sometimes they choose a name that they admire.  Others may choose a name with a hint of hope in it, like “Blessing”, “Promise” or “Lovejoy”.  And still in other situations, they may be given a Biblical name as a sort of prophesy over their futures… like “Abraham” or “Boaz” or “Ruth”. 

Well, our amazing VS Chicks recently had an epiphany.  Because they have been so deeply involved as board members of Beautiful Feet Global Outreach and because they passionately care for the lives and fates of the children that we serve… to honor them and raise awareness, the chicks will soon unveil newly restored pieces with names that match those of our children in the orphanages in Zimbabwe.  Their first new piece is “Emelie”.  I have no doubt she is going to be a stunning work of art, just like our beautiful Zim princess!

 "Emelie"

"Emelie"

CeCe Caldwell's 'Alaskan Tundra Green' on the drawer fronts. The top & cabinet are an equal mix of 'Seattle Mist' & 'Young Kansas Wheat' finished with clear wax.

Thank you, Sharon & Julie for inviting me back to share more of my heart for our Zim kiddos.  Thanks for all that you do for them and for me.  Love, Melissa

Just for fun… we could pretend we’re getting new names today.  I’ve always loved the name “Sophie”.  What would your new name be, and why?