Mantles by Any Other NAME
Hi there my cherished readers! How are you today? I hope fabulous! I pray for it, in fact!
Well, today, I have the privilege of writing to you about identity. You see about two weeks ago or so, my dear friend and brother, Cordell Winrow, sent me a .PDF file on a work entitled Own Your Mantle by Melissa Flores with Sharon Johnson and Jessica Lee also contributing. The work talks significantly about the mantles available to us and ready for us to step into within Christ's realm and grace!
What's a mantle you ask?
A valid question and according to Merriam-Webster's Online Dictionary a mantle is:
a : a loose sleeveless garment worn over other clothes : cloak
b : a figurative cloak symbolizing preeminence or authority
The mantle spoken of within the work is referring to the spiritual realm of God and taking up the mantle (authority) of Christ upon our shoulders as we walk in the fullness of who He is and who we are in Him.
Also, the work speaks of our names being a mantle into who we are and that we should search out our names meanings in all their facets. it was as I read this chapter of the work that God placed within me a desire and passion to begin searching the names of my teammates and myself. I have finished this work and this morning I spent a few hours on the Fort Cornwallis bridge praying into what God would like to tell my team according to what their names are and what He would like to tell the team as a whole. My pen went into overdrive through the direction of the Holy Spirit (I will share what He had to tell me, as well as the team as a whole, but the words for my teammates are for them to disclose as they see fit).
The bridge I sat on (far side of it though) and Sri Rambai Cannon…pretty cool! lol
First, however, here are some thoughts from Melissa Flores:
"All parents want to find that one name that embodies the characteristics, personality, and sophistication that their child will carry for the rest of his or her life. How many of us have found that one-of-a-kind name only to discover on the first day of kindergarten that there’s five other little “Emily”s or “Jacob”s in your child’s class? This is not coincidental, my friend. It is by divine design."
"Names are not chosen solely by expecting parents. They are a note, written by the Ultimate Composer. Each generation is a chord, placed in perfect timing, playing out the symphony of the ages."
You see, our names are a direct correlation to our identity. John Hutchcraft of gospel.com speaks into the facet of identity by saying, "I am convinced that so many of the damaging choices we've made in our life are because of one fundamental amnesia issue. We forget who we really are. We start believing we are who our critics say we are, or our friends, or our culture, or our feelings, or the devil. A life that matters is anchored in the identity given us by the God who made us, who sent His Son to die for us."
It was through these words and the Lord's prodding that I searched the names of my team and my own, in which I will share the findings upon my own name:
Andrew:
Gender: Boy; Origin: Greek Meaning: Man, warrior; Origin: English Meaning: Man, warrior; Pronunciation: (AN droo); Form of: Andreas
Andrew was a disciple of Jesus and of John the Baptist, who it is said was martyred by being crucified on a cross in the shape of an "X". He became a saint. This symbol is now referred to as Saint Andrew's cross. Andrew was the brother of Peter.
Hurricane Andrew occurred in 1992 and was the second most destructive hurricane in US history, causing damage in the northwestern Bahamas, southern Florida south of Miami, and south-central Louisiana.
*from http://www.babynamer.com/
'as a boy's name is pronounced AN-droo. It is of Greek origin, and the meaning of Andrew is "man, warrior". English form of the Greek name Andreas. Biblical: the first chosen of the 12 apostles. Saint Andrew is the patron saint of Scotland and Russia. The "Saint Andrew's Cross", representing Scotland, appears on the flag of the United Kingdom. Andras is a Welsh form; Andy is the pet form. See also Andino, Jedrek, and Kendrew. American Presidents Andrew Jackson and Andrew Johnson; industrialist Andrew Carnegie; Prince Andrew, Duke of York; actors Andy Devine, Andy Griffith, Andy Garcia; artists Andrew Wyeth, and Andy Warhol; baseball player Andruw Jones.'
*from http://www.thinkbabynames.com/
Meaning: Its source is Andreas, a Greek name meaning "Manly."
Narrative: The manliness this name refers to has nothing to do with aftershave or matinee idols. It refers to the duties of a male in the patriarchal society of ancient Greece. The first duty of a man was to protect his home, and this name is sometimes translated as ''warrior.''
In the Christian scriptures, this was the name of one Jesus' first disciples, a brother to Simon Peter. Though he figures in a few Biblical stories, the traditions about his missionary travels after the resurrection are extensive. In fact, Christians in the far-flung regions of Greece, Russia and Scotland all look to him as their patron saint.
*from http://babynamesworld.parentsconnect.com/
Justin:
Gender: Boy; Origin: Latin Meaning: Righteous, just, fair; Pronunciation: (jus tin); Form of: Justinus
There were two Byzantine emperors named Justin. Justin Martyr was an early Christian apologist and saint. Justin Timberlake is an American singer.
*from http://www.babynamer.com/
'as a boy's name is pronounced JUS-tin. It is of Latin origin, and the meaning of Justin is "just, upright, righteous". Variant of Justus. Saint Justin (second century) was a Greek philosopher who wrote of the moral values of Christianity.'
*from http://www.thinkbabynames.com/
Meaning: Its source is Justinus, a Latin name meaning "Fair-minded."
Narrative: This name was popular among early Christians, who favored names that celebrated cherished concepts like justice. This is understandable, given that many of the common names of the time — such as Marcus, Demetrius, and Julius — were based on the pantheon of rejected pagan gods.
*from http://babynamesworld.parentsconnect.com/
It is also interesting to note that in the 1980's Andrew was ranked #13 as the most popular name, while Justin was ranked #12 in that same decade. You also see that my first name is the name of a 1st century saint, while my middle (second) name is the name of a 2nd century saint…interesting!
Alright, now that we have the framework behind my names, let me just share with you that it is a little weird writing something out from the Lord directly to yourself, but nonetheless He poured out the words as a note to me, after I had already gotten the words from Him for my teammates.
He wrote to me:
Andrew Justin,
My beloved warrior, I love and adore you! You are just, upright, and righteous with a fair-minded view towards all — continue to walk in this! I am your guide with truth and justice and you are the protector of those you love. I hear your prayers, you know this! I am so glad you have chosen freedom from conforming to the established standards and rules of this world. Instead, you have chosen to operate in the heavenly realms — thank you!! I love you son!
Love,
Your King and Friend
Jesus then decided to write a note to my whole team, which follows and I can tell you it speaks a LOT of truth and definitely encourages me:
Team RockStar:
You are indeed stars in my eyes and I love that you have set me as your Rock and foundation! You are unified, do not let anyone tell you otherwise — you've made great strides and you will only continue to do so! I'm proud of you all for choosing to operate in my Spirit! Of course, there can always be improvement before my return, but that will come with each passing day for you all and only by Father's direction. I love the way you are moving together and the other night, when you prayed under the gazebo in the rain, was gorgeous to behold and we could do nothing but gleam with joy and move as you requested!
Now, you are NOT a weak team; there may be some weaknesses as you learn to walk in unison, but you must remember where you are weak, I AM is strong! Never forget that! You are a different generation and I have asked you to walk in a different manner than generations before you, which they may not understand, but I do. In that, walk free, upright, head held high and with me always! I love you and the way you have chosen to serve me and worship me — continue to be unique and unlike other teams or individuals! I love each of you with the passion and intensity of our Father!
Love your brother,
Jesus Christ
My morning was spent with God at Fort Cornwallis and then walking around the city of Georgetown. I was completely in awe of HIm and His work and how I have been able to walk in Him this past week with such confidence and boldness. It is a whole new life and whole new me, but it was, is and always has been the me He created me to be. I LOVE it and will NEVER go back to my old self. I will continue to walk in the identity of Christ and of His faithful, warrior of justice, truth, and righteousness! I can settle for NOTHING less!
Alright, well, I encourage you to search out the meaning of your name and ask God to reveal the mantles He has for you based off of your name. You may have to research many hours into and you might also want to look up the work Own Your Mantle, I'm sure you could find it online.
Thanks for reading!! I'm honored to be able to share these experiences with you, my readers! Love each and everyone of you, yes even you, crazy-eyed Joe!! (No idea about who crazy-eyed Joe is, but if there's one reading this blog, then hi and God and I love you…just so you know. God Bless!)
In Christ,
A.J. Wagoner (walking fully in my identity)
This is who I am, Andrew Justin Wagoner at Yeap Noodles (awesome place).
If you don't like it, then well sorry Charlie, I don't know what to tell you…because
I don't REVOLVE around you and I WILL NOT conform to this world!!
