I was chatting with my lovely mother today about the meaning behind names. I’m a big fan of mine, personally, because I get to double-dip: I can both sincerely claim my namesake to be the biblical prophetess Anna, and also the potassium-rich fruit Banana. (Long story short: before I had a name, my moniker in the womb was “the banana”, and it stuck.)
I think Anna suits me, because I’m a seeker of knowledge and truth, and I’m always looking towards the future, for better or worse, usually with one hand solidly tied up in the past as if, if I really try hard enough, I might be able to drag the ancient history along with me.
Before long, our discussion turned to transforming our names into long titles involving the meanings of all of our names. (How cool that we get three?) So, while revealing our brand-new incredible titles, I thought I’d add some extra embellishments, the way greek gods had titles. (You know; it wasn’t just “Zeus,” it was “Lord Zeus, Lord of the Sky, God of Hospitality, the Skyfather,” and so on.)
I’m not just Anna: I am Anna, the Merciful, the Prophetess, the Gift From God, Born-to-Inspire. I am the Truth-Seeker, the Poet, She-of-Quick-Wit, the Joy Finder, the Mundane-Turned-Exceptional, the Well of Thoughts and Strangenesses. I was brought onto this Earth to intermingle my atoms with all those I love, to find and understand every possible thing that is, and to use all that I am and know to bring it to others.
My mother is Adrienne, Woman of the Sea, God-is-Her-Oath, Bearer of Flowers. She is the Lifeblood, the Magic-Weaver, Woman-Who-Carries, the Understander of Suffering, Companion-to-All, the Pillar Who Stands Like a Mountain and Cradles Like the Ocean. She was brought onto this Earth to carry her beloveds like a breeze carries seedpods, to turn every single day into an occasion, and to hold the spark of life within her as a hearth carries heat.
My father is Joshua, God-Is-His-Salvation, of Fire and Enthusiasm, Born-to-Lead. He is the Foundation, the Forge of Safety, The All-Catching-Net, the River of Knowing, He-Who-Drums-Like-Rain. He was brought onto this Earth to bring about the spirit of becoming, to push where pushing is needed, and to connect himself to every inch of the planet with a thousand strings that play far grander than any harp or lyre.
Lucy is Of the Light, Pledged to God, Born-to-Lead. She is the Laughter-Holder, the Whisper-of-Hope, the Wealth of Compassion, the Explorer of Freedoms. She was brought onto this Earth to see the greatness of others as if it were as immutable as the cosmos themselves, to choose the kindest path, and to walk as if flowers bloom behind her steps.
Reese is Born of Fire and Enthusiasm, Resolute Protector, Born-to-Inspire. He is the Collector of Muses, He-Who-Bleeds-Love, Bringer of Proceedings and Wonder, the Tryer. He was brought onto this Earth to mold it to his vision, to coax out the connection of eventide and revelry, and to do so with the respect and excitement it is deserved.
Henry is Ruler of the Home, Son of the Red Earth, Born-to-Lead. He is the Guardian of Novelty, the Inciter of Activity, The Curiosity-Embracer, He-With-Limitless-Sight, the Endurer of Trials. He was brought onto this Earth to bring about the revolution of sincerity, to face tragedy with sunrise, to pick at seams that should not be sown, and to do so with humility and determination.
I just feel like we all deserve these titles. Preferably with the banging of goblets and spears after, and probably a few “huzzahs!” thrown in.
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