WHAT'S IN A NAME?

Lately, I've come across several names that have tickled my funny bone.

At the legal clinic, clients call in with all sorts of strange issues and legal quandaries. Their problems are sometimes humorously enhanced by their names. Take these two encounters, for example:
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RING RING. RING RING.
Me: Good morning, Legal Clinic.
Caller: Ah, yes hello. I'm having an issue with my landlord.
Me: Ok sir, what is your name?
Caller: Charles.
Me: And your last name?
Caller: Dickens.
Me: Pardon?
Caller: Charles Dickens.
Me: *slight giggle and stutter* Uh, oh, ok.
Caller: YEAH. And let me tell you chile' my life is like a tale of two cities!

We both erupt into laughter. He then proceeds to tell me his landlord is trying to evict him. SIGH.


RING RING. RING RING.
Me: Good afternoon, Legal Clinic.
Caller: Yes, hello this is Curtis ______, calling for G.
Me: Hi, Curtis. I hope you received the will that I drafted for you.
Caller: Yes, I did. I was hoping you could add something.
Me: Sure.
Caller: I'd like to devise my entire estate into equal shares for my three sisters.
Me: Ok. Can I get their names?
Caller: Blossom, Bambi, and Boo-Boo.
Me: Pause. How do you spell Boo-Boo?
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It took me a long time to accept and like my name. I hated when people mispronounced it, and being the serious and paranoid child that I was, couldn't take any form of teasing lightly. Guinea, Jenny, Jeanie, Gina, Janine (yeah WTF?). Who knew four simple letters could cause so much trouble and embarrassment. On top of that, I had a very foreign last name to pretty much anybody I encountered that was not Malayalee.

Despite my dislike for my name growing up, I always corrected people when they made a mistake. In college, I even snapped at a professor ("There is no 'A' in my name.") for mangling it into what sounded like "Genina."

I also tend to tell people whose names get mispronounced to never back down and always correct it. No matter how you feel about it, it's the most powerful way you can show self-respect. It's funny how a four-letter word can teach you that.

Pause.

Sometimes, I can be a big hypocrite. I struggle with people who call themselves "Christian" and then deny their faith by their lifestyle, particularly when it comes to drinking, cursing and "hooking up" excessively (among other things). But I fail to realize how often I behave in contradiction to my faith. My acts are simply manifested in different ways.

Whenever I'm about to pass judgment on someone, I will think of this post by a fellow blogger.
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It is the secret that we were never intended to keep. In fact, it ought to be so painfully obvious that it is hardly even worth calling a secret. However, that is precisely what it has become. While the universe in all of its infinitude could not contain God, He has done something so audacious, so unbelievable, and so incredible – He has found a way to live in you and me. This is the miracle that Heaven sings, that creation applauds, that angels cannot fathom; and yet it has gone tragically unnoticed. Somehow, we have found a way to silence the wonder of Heaven. While this world continues to breathe its last breath, we will quietly carry within us the Life that gives life; and we will never stop to notice.

This marvelous truth, the fact that God has not only bridged the chasm that separated us, but has actually made a way to live in us, is what this world desperately needs to hear. Unfortunately, we often fear that if this truth becomes too obvious, if we pursue holiness, and become passionate lovers of God, we will alienate an unbelieving world. However, the life of Jesus screams against this misconception. Indeed, it was the holiest man of all the earth that thieves, tax collectors, and prostitutes were drawn to. It was the man who was most reckless in His affection for God that sinners found irresistible. You see, while we assume that the presence of God will be foreign to our peers, co-workers, and neighbors, we fail to remember that they were made for His presence. If there is ever a moment when they will come alive, it is when they stand in His presence; but they no longer have to search the heavens to find Him; for, if we are willing to share our “secret,” they will find Him living in you and me.
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Christos Anesti!

Today marks the most sacred and holy of days for Christian believers. In fact, it is the pinnacle and centerpiece of our faith. In the muted solemnness of Passion Week, where as a collective we attempt to experience and meditate upon Christ's suffering, we sometimes lose sight of the great news of his Resurrection that awaits us. When I reflect upon what the risen Lord means to me, I think of three things: rebirth, renewal and resolution.

On Easter, I am reminded that I am reborn in Christ through the Holy Spirit. No matter how many times I screw up or stray from leading a life of love, God is always ready to give me a second chance, always eager for me to seek his mercy and be born again in Him.

I am renewed by the great promise He uttered to his disciples to qualm their fears about the persecution and hatred they would face for their steadfast belief in Him. His promise extends to me, too. It was made to reassure me that despite all the challenges, hurdles, humiliation, loss, disappointments and pain life will bring, I can take heart, for He has overcome the world. ~John 16:33. He overcame it for me.

The raised cross in the sanctuary that I will gaze upon in worship will recommit me to the faith that I sometimes struggle to wear on my sleeve. I must resolve to act with love, patience, grace, humility, discipline and compassion - inwardly and outwardly - just as Christ did for my sake.


Christ is risen!
Truly, He is risen!

April Anniversary

Happy Birthday, Blog!

Ok not quite. 29 days early. But I was getting bored of the background. I'm not sure if I like this one. Still testing the waters.

I don't know how to assemble my thoughts these days.