I would keep my name… In the bible, we see great significance in the names people are given. My parents may have chosen my name, but I believe it was divinely appointed. However, I do look forward to Heaven where we are promised a new name (Revelation 2:17). Jesse Carroccio, Station Manager, WRMB Moody Radio The question brought to mind a funny story. When I was born my parents did not know Jesus. Yet, my father gave me my birth name, "Yeshua" [his written version of Jessica in Peruvian dialect] which is close to the gender-neutral Hebrew name meaning "Savior" or "the Lord is my salvation." I have wondered how that occurred but then again Jessica in the bible has a meaning of "God beholds" or "to see before." I believe my father was unconsciously prophetic. I'm so grateful for my given name. I would not change it. Dr. Jessica Vera, President, CEO, Elite Foundation My amazing parents gave me a name I'd never change, but if I had to pick an alternative it would be "Vincentius" — it is the Latin word for "conquering". Justus Martin, Staff Photographer, Calvary Chapel Fort Lauderdale Definitely, David! Although there was plenty of "turbulence " during his reign, he was still a man after God's own heart. Larry Lacy, Pastor, The Answer Church If I had the chance to choose my own name, I think I would keep my name, Mary. My father passed away of cancer when I was a young girl, and my mother told me that my father always wanted a daughter named Mary. So, because of that, I would keep my name. Dr. Mary Drabik, President, South Florida Bible College & Theological Seminary Being raised in the Catholic Church, I received the sacrament of Confirmation around age 12, which involved taking an additional name. I chose the name Joseph, primarily because the most popular kid in my class was named Joseph! Only years later did I realize what a great name I chose as Joseph, in the Bible, was blessed by the Lord everywhere he went no matter the difficulties and life challenges he faced. I wouldn’t change a thing. Mike McDermott, PA, Seniors Real Estate Specialist, The Keyes Company Growing up as a 1st generationAmerican and not having the typical “American” name, I would have jumped all over this question with several options as a young boy. However, my parents always instilled in me that my name was unique to me, and I must own it. They said, “you define the name, the name doesn’t define you.” Therefore, I am going to opt out of this question and stay with my current name. It took me many years to learn that this is the correct answer. Milan Stefanovic, Chief Operations & Personal Lines Officer, Bass Underwriters - Plantation FL Growing up I always wanted an English name because Americans seemed to have such a hard time pronouncing “Oksana.” In fact, it was not unusual for people to avoid addressing me for fear of mispronouncing it thereby increasing my desire to be named something simpler, something more “American.” But as I got older, I found out what my name means: “Oksana” means “praise be to God” and my middle name “Lubamyra” means “love and peace.” Needless to say, my name went from a burden to a blessing – and I couldn’t be happier with it! Oksana Horton, Creative Director, Torch & Trumpet Theater Company If I had to change my name and pick a new name, I would be rather sad becauseI truly love my name, because my name is rare and unique. Yes, my name is rare and unique because there is no one else in the whole wide world with my name. I am the only O’Neal Dozier in the whole wide world. Now, if you don’t believe me, then do your Internet search and you will see that I am the one and only. My mother did a very good job in choosing my name. Plus, I am the only one of her twelve children without a middle name. Now you can understand why I would not want to change my name. O’Neal Dozier, Pastor, The Worldwide Christian Center I like my name; my first name means "noble" and my last “with the angels” (thanks to my husband). If I had to change my name, I would change it to “Morning Glory,” a name my great-grandmother gave me at an early age. Evidently, I was a very early riser as an infant and young child, that has continued to this day. She would say that not only was I up early, I always had a smile on my face. The beautiful blue flowers would open every morning and as soon as I was old enough, I would go outside early to watch them open. Patricia Colangelo, EdS, Lecturer, Professor, Trinity International University - Florida Wants to Know… Fidel Gomez Fred Scarbrough Ilona Helen Wayner James ‘JT’ Taylor James Welch Jesse Carroccio Dr. Jessica Vera Justus Martin Larry Lacy Mary Drabik
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