DJ
What is a name?
Dominique Jade Marlin
I love my name. I think it’s strong and unique; after all, it is part of my identity.
So Why Did I Change it to DJ?
For some of y’all this might be news. Surprise!
It started at training camp when I was thinking about Abraham from the Bible. God changed his name from Abram to Abraham— all He added was a little “ha!”
Jesus adds joy and ha is joy…
There is a lot of symbolism with changing names in the Bible….To me, it is a way that God says, “you are my child and are reborn.”
Now I know a name change isn’t necessary, but I felt like it was what I needed. Training camp recked me in the best way, and I wanted a symbol of that heart change.
Throughout my life, I grew up in the church, going every week to Sunday school, and every summer to church camp. I would come back home after a week on that “camp high.” I claimed that I was so happy because of Jesus. However, looking back, I didn’t truly know Jesus. I knew His story and I knew religion—with all the rules I could never follow. But without the relationship, that “camp high” (which was really a “wow-I-had-fun-with-my-friends high”) lasted about four days…max.
What I discovered at training camp is permanent—it’s a real relationship with Jesus. Knowing Him lead me to knowing myself. I now know I am covered by grace. This life is so short, so why spend it as anyone other than me? Why spend all that energy trying to “fit in”? God created me exactly as I am for a reason.
To me, the name DJ reminds me to be completely and unapologetically me—no masks. I’ve learned that I was created in such a unique way, so why try to be anything different?
DJ: with this name, peoples’ first thought is music, and I love that! I want to be know for being fun and upbeat. I also think music lets people express their emotions; something I’m learning how to do and be ok with this year.
Before this year, my main nickname was ”Dom.” Nothing is particularly wrong with this name, but I associate it with the old me, during a season of life that I hid from my true personality. I was worried about what others thought about me. Now my only concern is what God thinks and being true to myself.
I know who I am and what HE calls me!
I am immensely grateful for this time to grow closer to Jesus and share His love throughout the world journey He has me on.
I am within a few hundred dollars of being fully funded on the homestretch of this journey. Thank you for your continued prayers for me and my team as we pour out to those that we are lead to serve.
If you feel led to help complete my fundraising goal in any amount I would be so grateful. This process of seeking fundraising support has been a very humbling experience and I am so touched by those that have come along side me.
You can donate through the World Race link on this page (orange button above that says donate!) or directly to my Venmo account: @DJ-Marlin
