Names. Names are one of the first things we learn about people. They are something we remember and carry with us. We respond to them, and they connect us with other people. During our time in Côte d’Ivoire, our translator was named Habakkuk. This wasn’t his given name, but his name given by his faith community. In Ghana, we met pastors with names like Pastor Wisdom and Pastor Gospel. These names carry stories, meaning, and depth.
I’ve been thinking about names over the past few months. At training camp in GA, our squad met together for ten days in October. During this time, the Lord spoke to me about the new season I’d be entering in, the freedom He’d bring, and the hope He has for me. He led me to go by my given name, Madison, with this new group of people and new season.
As I’ve stepped into this journey and gone by the name Madison, I am learning to step into being His child. To see myself how He sees me. To start afresh with eyes focused on Him. To take bold steps of faith with trust in Him. To be full of courage and gentleness. To love Him, others, and myself. And I’m loving it!
I’ve stepped away from Maddie and have continued to step away from past expectations, mindsets, hurts, and patterns. I’ve stepped out of seasons of depression, mistrust, and bitterness. I’ve stepped into hope, communication, value, and restoration.
I’ve stepped away from finding approval and worth in others. I’ve stepped into being a daughter of the King – a beloved daughter who is loved so dearly and cherished by the father.
I’ve stepped away from seeking achievement and success for attention and love. I’ve stepped into being loved for who I am and not what I can do.
Names can be powerful. The ways we choose to identify ourselves matter. I am not success. I am not too much. I am not- not enough. I am not what I do.
I am daughter. I am beloved. I am chosen. I am loved. I am cherished. I am valuable. I am Madison.
I looked up what I could on the name Madison. Some of the names connected to the origin of Madison include Matthew meaning “ Mad’s son or gift of God” and Matilda meaning “mighty battler, warrior, or fighter”.
I am a daughter of a mighty warrior. The one who has already won the battle. The one who is ever constant and present, faithful and true, protector and provider, friend and father. He is in control and fighting for me. I can rest in Him.
This month I want to take time to get to know the Father’s heart as He has been teaching me more about His love. To practice disciplines of prayer, worship, and listening to what the Father has to share with me each and every day. He is good and faithful. He speaks personally & loves deeply. Please pray for continued health and healing, for trust in the Lord’s timing, for patience and peace.
Lord, help me to open the door to you. To release the last strands of control I hold so tightly to. To step both feet fully into surrender to you. You love me with abundance and fullness. You call me chosen and beloved. You call me daughter. You call me Madison. I love you Lord, amen.
