Names often carry great significance and are an important part of our identity. This month Good News Wants to Know... If you had to change your name or could pick your own, what would your new name be and why would you choose that name? My name is Debra. I have always wanted my name to be the biblical Deborah. Deborah was an amazing woman, way ahead of her time, not afraid to be a judge, advisor, and leader in a time when no women were in such a role. Yet she followed where God led. Dr. Debra A. Schwinn, President, Palm Beach Atlantic University I have always been grateful for my name. In the Greek tradition we celebrated name days with bigger celebrations than birthdays. I was named after my grandfather and our name day was New Year's Day. That meant three days of dancing and good food surrounding each January 1st. William “Bill” C. Davell, Director, Tripp Scott PA I’d change my first name to Avery. That way people would think I was a rich kid related to the family that makes labels. Bob Denison, President, Denison Yachting I am perfectly happy with my name as it is. The reason is, being born into an Italian-Catholic family, our tradition is that my brother was named after my late father, and I was named after my two grandfathers. It has always stayed with me that carrying their name I must do my best to live up to their legacies. I have also grown up using my nickname “Chip” and this has worked out well being in the political process. Chip LaMarca, State Representative, Florida House District 100 My name was changed to the one I believe our Lord assigned to me, so I wouldn't want to change it. At birth, I was named Cynthia Louise. My mom didn't like that people were calling me Cindy Lou, so she decided to change it. She wrote several other names on folded slips of paper and placed them in a hat. I was less than a year old when I picked out the name Deborah. I didn't know how significant my new name was until I became a Christian and discovered who she was in the Bible - a mighty prophetess, judge and a mother in Israel. What a role model she is! Deborah Cusick, FAU Campus Volunteer, Intervarsity Christian Fellowship If I had to change my name it would be “Caesar.” Thoughtful remembrance of my first Spanish class when I was a teenager. Classmates and teacher couldn’t think of a name that resembled my English name, so they gave me this. I’ve used it ever since, especially when I’m with my daughters at a place where they ask, “What’s the name for this order?” Love to see my girls smirk or roll their eyes as “Caesar” is called out over the intercom in a crowded restaurant or coffee shop. – Dennis DeMarois, CEO/Executive Director, Gathering of Men Palm Beach County This one is easy. My mother (adopted mom) wanted to name me Jennifer. However, my birth mother and adopted father liked Dolores, and my birth mother put Dolores on my birth certificate. If I were to change my name, I would change it to Jennifer to honor my amazing, wonderful, God-chosen mom. Dolores King-St. George, President, King Communications and GraceNet Radio Max. I would change my name to Max. Maximo Gomez was my papa and a man that I admired more than any other human being. Maximo Gomez was a man that displayed to me what unconditional love looks like. He was a man that exemplified the true meaning of commitment. I wish my parents would've named me Maximo. My papa was my superhero and always will be. I think of 1 Corinthians 15:58 when I think of Maximo Gomez Fidel Gomez, Pastor, Calvary Chapel Hollywood Matthew, which means “gift of God," would be one of my favorites. It is biblical and happens to be my favorite gospel book of the Bible! Fred Scarbrough, DVM, Founder, Scarbrough Animal Hospital and HOPE South Florida Names are important! Never thought much about it until my classmates made fun of mine in elementary school. They couldn’t pronounce it properly so the jokes and name calling began. The pronunciation is É-l-ó-na (Ilona). I was named after my momma and very proud of it! She was strong and gracious, full of life and love and oh so much kindness! I always wanted to be just like her so when she started using the translation, Helen it was for me as well. However, I do use my legally recognized name for all legal documents etc. Ilona aka Helen - Proud Hungarian/American!! Ilona Helen Wayner P.A., Century 21 Hansen Realty I introduced myself as ‘Logan’ in college when I didn’t want any contact with someone in the future. I wasn’t lying. It was a nickname. James ‘JT’ Taylor, Managing Director, Head of Automotive Retail, Truist Securities I would choose my current name. James is a family name. My Dad is James, Sr. I am grateful to be named after my dad. He is a caring, funny and hardworking man. Throughout my upbringing he modeled for me authentic manhood. He is now a born again Christian, and his passion to share Christ inspires me. I have always been proud to be his son and to share a name with him. James Welch, Pastor, First Baptist Church of Fort Lauderdale William “Bill” C. Davell Bob Denison Chip LaMarca Deborah Cusick Dennis DeMarois Dolores King-St. George Wants to Know… Dr. Debra A. Schwinn
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