What’s in a Name?

Say Your Name Say your name or “what’s in a name” for me. I was originally going to write a different post but saw this prompt and thought it would be interesting and fun to pursue. What’s in a name? A friend and I had a discussion last year about names and how many times they seem to really fit the person. My first and middle names are Sandra Ruth. While Sandra is not in the Bible, Ruth is there. Sandra is Greek and Ruth is Hebrew. I did add my middle name to this mix.

Sandra is a female form of Alexander. The meaning of Sandra is defender of men. According to the Urban Dictionary, Sandra is a strong name for a strong woman. While I now believe that I am strong, I didn’t always believe so. When I look back, I see periods where I felt like I was the most fragile person I knew. I scarred deeply, especially as a young person. However, the things that I have had to work through in my life have shown me the strength I did not see. Further description states that I have a strong sense of community and family. The description says Sandra “will do whatever it takes (regardless of personal cost) to defend and protect those she cares about.” This is very true of me and at some highly personal costs, I have had to learn balance even that.  ( http://www.urbandictionary.com/ )

Ruth, of course, is a Biblical name. It means companion, friend. While my mother didn’t name me after her but a family friend, I do believe that I share some of the Biblical Ruth’s characteristics. The story of Ruth tells about a woman who stayed with her mother-in-law Naomi after the mother’s son died and believed in her God; God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. I was surely blessed today when I read the background of Ruth from BibleGateway.com. This commentary about Ruth definitely describes someone who was blessed with being able to be a friend to a somewhat challenging person.

Sandra and Ruth seem to fit together based on the description of both names. I will say that I have the characteristics of being a defender of the underdog and a good friend. While I have not perfected anything for sure, much of what I see now was inherent and living just brought it to surface. For me, I would not change my name because in it, I see who I am.