The Power In Your Name

Would you change your name, and do you believe it affects your personality?

The Power of A Name

Have you ever googled the meaning of your name? Have you put thought into it? I find it fascinating.

I knew there was importance in choosing a name when I was pregnant with my first child. We chose for it to be a surprise, and indeed, it was a lovely surprise, but for whatever illogical reason, I was convinced I was having a boy. So, I was not at all prepared for girl names. I was thrilled to have a healthy, beautiful girl, but the names I liked, such as Molly, did not seem to match either my or the baby’s personality. My husband at the time suggested Morgan, and I loved it.

Morgan has two very special meanings- “lover of horses” and “Sea-born.” Morgan is both, so we chose the proper name. She has also been a horse whisperer. She grew up wanting to be a large animal vet, but due to health complications, she decided to pursue a career in marine biology after undergraduate school. She loves aquatic life.

The Story of My Name

I am unsure if my name was a blessing or a curse lol, but I wouldn’t change it for the world.

My mom named me after her best friend, Libby. Libby brought home every stray animal she found. My mom often had to foster the animal so Libby’s husband didn’t kick her to the curb. She should have known giving me this name was bad news…..

And so it was. Elizabeth Louise Shively I was named, but called Libby from day one. Libby technically means “God’s Promise.” I have always loved animals of all kinds. When I was six, I announced at the dinner table that I would rescue all the farm animals in the world. That is when my sister told me the cheeseburger I was eating was a cow. I cried and said I didn’t want meat anymore. Years later, I became a vegetarian. Sure enough, I followed in my namesake’s footprints.

I rescued at least seven dogs, three or four cats, and chickens. I have finally hit my limit. I will help find homes, and I still have a loving heart for all animals, but I no longer feel the need to take them all into my home.

My mom told me at a very young age my gift to the world was love. At that time, I didn’t want to believe her. I wanted my gift to be singing. It turns out she was right. Maybe “God’s Promise” translates into LOVE. Not romantic love, love and acceptance for all beings.

Would I Change My Name?

I got teased with the tune of Libby’s canned food commercial growing up: “Libby, Libby, Libby on the label label label you will like it, like, like it, on the table, table, table.” But that is okay. Kids always look for something, and this was the lesser of all evils to be teased about. No, I would not change my name. And, no, I am unfortunately not the heir to that company. I liked how unique and uncommon my name was. I have only met a handful of other Libby’s in my lifetime.

Final Thought’s

How about you? Are you happy with your name? Each name has a personality. Comment and tell me more about you and the meaning of your name.

Thank you, Warren Brown, for this thought-provoking prompt. I am glad you are also happy with your name.

Thank you for taking the time to read this. Hopefully, it reveals more about who I am. Come on over to YouTube and check out what I am doing there. I would be grateful if you would subscribe. Also, tell me if you have a channel, and I will do the same.

Peace & Light, Libby Shively McAvoy

I read outstanding inspirational stories on this platform every day and I appreciate all the writers so much, but today, I would like to highlight two who stood out. David Ferrers nailed it with the power of a mindset and how that can change your life. And Annelise Lords completely put a new perspective on the power of forgiveness in my eyes. I have always believed in forgiving, but she taught me that sometimes forgiveness can become enabling. It is important to set firm boundaries.