If you look back and read through the old testament you will find that when names were giving there was always a reasoning behind them. The names or new names giving to people( like Jacob to Israel) were used to describe the people or places they represent. Abram went from(high father) to Abraham( father of the multitudes. In his name change he was giving new purpose and capacity. You can also find in the new testament with Saul becoming Paul.
When I was 11 years old going into middle school I decided I would go by JT. My deep philsophical reason was there were too many Joshua's roaming around. I did not like hearing my name all the time and it not be about me. You don't have to tell me I was very wise kid. That named served me well through middle school all the way to post graduating from College. So there are many that don't know me by any other name. I have not had many problems with the name besides having JT Thomas be writting on everything that is made for me. The problem with this is the T in my last name also represents the T in JT. I assume you see the problem, Joshua Thomas Thomas. Definitely not my name.
Picture of JT
Recently before training camp and other times as well I have felt like JT has just not represented the man I am or who God has made me to be. Way back in 1986 God put the name Joshua on my mother's heart for a reason. That name means Jehovah saves. The name also stands for the first man to carry that name. The man who called for got to make the Sun stand still, the man that stood by Moses side when many bickered and wanted to turn away. He saw light in Canaan along with Caleb when all others so their destruction. As I began to read more about those stories I realized those are the things I wanted to stand on. Just like the men and women of the bible I wanted people to hear my name and think about what it stood for. At training camp I found a sense of worth in myself that I never had and it was found in the changes God made in me there. And with those changes I felt lead to signify that change from being JT to Joshua.
That name means for that I am called to be an encourager. I am called to speak light and joy into situations where people see darkness. I am called to be a warrior for Jesus in my actions as well as my words. My inheritance is found in the name Joshua not just two letters that make up part of my full name. Joshua a man of intergirty and honor. I want to hear my name myself and remember what I am called to stand for.
So I know it will be hard from some to transition from JT to Joshua. That is okay. I just ask you respect what I have already claimed in my spirit. I hope you see for me there is so much in a name. I stand a new man in Joshua. A name I always had but was scared to accept. I stand before you ready to claim in Jesus's name all that it represents.
Picture of Joshua( looks like the same guy in the other picture but I insure they are not)
