Called by Many Names

By Margaret A. Renner

This text investigates the relationship of naming and being called by name to lived experience, and then reflects about and relates these experiences to a spiritual quest. These concepts unfold as a series of vignettes which entice and enhance but do not overshadow the elusive process. This elusive process of naming and discovering is in essence our destiny. Destiny calls us to use every means, method and perspective to enhance the process. This new perspective involves both mystery and knowledge. The artist and scientist have met and the result is an artist who points with words.

• Language: English
• Publisher: iUniverse
• Release date: Dec 6, 2001
• ISBN: 9781469712864

Margaret A. Renner

Margaret Renner recently received her Ph.D. from Fordham University in Literacy Cognition. She also has an advanced degree in Theology. She is presently teaching in several academic institutions. Her children and grandchild have been the source of her strength and spiritual growth.

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All Rights Reserved © 2002 by Margaret A. Renner

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"Wait my daughter,

and see how things will go,

for He will not rest until

all things are settled."

Ruth 3:17-18

Dedicated to my mother,

Frances Margaret Halverson,

who tried to do her best.

Contents

Acknowledgments

Introduction

CHAPTER 1

CHAPTER 2

CHAPTER 3

CHAPTER 4

CHAPTER 5

CHAPTER 6

CHAPTER 7

CHAPTER 8

CHAPTER 9

CHAPTER 10

Epilogue

About the Author

References

Personal Reflections

Acknowledgments

Many people are involved in writing and publishing a single text. This is certainly true in my case. I would like to acknowledge the assistance and support of John Rich, truly my best friend. He critiqued, edited, and typed the text in all of its stages. My sister, Cheryl, was most helpful and corroborated the early events and circumstances I noted and disclosed. My four children, Mary Frances, Rob, Paul, and Mary Louise, all received a draft and made comments and suggestions that were most helpful and enlightening. This text is as much theirs as it is mine for they lived it and brought it to fruition with me.

I will give you an everlasting name which shall not be cut off.

(Isaiah 56:6)

Introduction

How many names do you have? What are you called? What names do you answer to? What name elicits a response? And why? This text evolved from these and similar questions. The purpose of this book is to investigate the relationship of names, naming, and being called by name/s to focus one’s quest and to determine the call of destiny.

Recently my experience of names, naming, and being called by name/s has come full circle. This occurred when I was asked to select a name for my doctoral diploma. I was stunned for the moment and hesitant about a quick response. I assumed that the name with which I entered the university would carryover. My assumption was incorrect. The application for graduation stated that the graduate was to select the name which he/she would like to have on the diploma. This statement triggered an array of emotions and responses that I had to deal with before I could select a name. Did I want to include my maiden name, my married name, or a combination of the two? Who was I anyway? I have a series of diplomas that all bear different names. I finally selected the name that represented most of my life but the pangs of sorrow associated with naming or being called by name were surfacing. Having to select a name resurrected the past, in particular, the history of my original name, and the circumstances surrounding how and why I was named. It happened so many years ago yet it still is a raw spot. Names are indeed a life long struggle and experience.

I completed the application for graduation and indicated that my professional name would be Margaret Halverson Renner. I was already being called Dr. Renner in academia. The reality of the title was sinking in as my colleagues used it and seemed to take delight in the accomplishment and prestige it engendered. I felt very detached from their experience because I was focusing on the responsibilities associated with the title.

The new title (name) called to mind the number of times that I had to become accustom to new names or titles. Pondering the events associated with these changes of names, naming, and being called by name/s lead me to the realization that names are a way and means of reflecting on and evaluating our lives. Who are we? Who am I? Does my name reflect a uniqueness? Am I what my name bespeaks?

In this text I plan to discuss a brief history of naming, the reasons for names and naming, the expectations associated with a given name, the shortening of names, the names we answer to, being called by a particular name, and the name we call ourselves. It is my intention to do this using a series of vignettes and historical anecdotes to exemplify the concepts presented. Each chapter concludes with a challenge and/or reflective questions. The reader is asked to consider the concept, reflect on the experiences presented and then personalize the process in pursuit of his/her particular destiny. Perhaps this way and means of examining life will be beneficial to others. Since I have much of life still to live, I can only relate early experiences, adult encounters, and a preview of mature awareness.

CHAPTER 1

Historical Aspects

A good name is better than precious ointment

(Ecclesiastes 7:1)

Names and naming have been historically a significant aspect of initiation. The selection of a name and the ritual of naming give humanity the opportunity to experience both the new and the unknown again and again. The ancient Jews said it best, with each child, the world begins anew. The exhilaration is experienced by both the receiver and the giver of a name, and wonder touches humanity again.

Naming can also be a self-fulfilling prophesy because it is a human act of distinction. The given name often shapes the expectations and limitations. Culturally, the name received allows one to enter the community with a history and tradition. When children listen to the history of their names and the process of their naming they realize the significance of their heritage. On the anniversary of their birth, I retell to each of my children their birth story; included in the rendition is a reference to their name and why it was chosen. They are older now but they still seem to enjoy the event.

Wisdom literature tells us that a good name is more valuable than wealth. Reference is made to a good name being a treasure and conversely a bad name being a curse. Recently a news reporter referred to a modern day Jesse James caught in the act of robbing as a bad seed. The reporter noted that his parents did him a disservice naming him after such a notorious character. In this case the name and naming become the self-fulfilling prophesy.

Why and How Are We Named?

We are named in order to identify each of us one