A new chapter, a new name

This may be the post that takes the most time to write.   I am starting it months before it will be posted.
But I  need to be careful about what I say,  and the timing of the post,  must be absolutely perfect.
I have no idea how many people read my blog posts,  or even why.  I hope you are blessed,  and that God is glorified.
Many of you are reading this because I plan to encourage all my facebook friends to read it.
I'm am planning on waiting a few days to a week after posting this  before I make a big change to my facebook.
You can probably guess, by the title,  that my name is changing.   But what is changing is almost the whole name.   I'm going to keep my middle name,  but first and last are going.  
Most of you know by now, divorce has happened, and is finalized. For those who didn't know,  let me say this has been a rough road,  it was a hard choice,  but I believe it was the only one I could make.   More information will be given to those who ask me directly.   You can pm me and I will give you my number if you want to call,  or whatever.
Why a complete name change?  I need to move forward.   The last name I was given in 1999 (Elkins), was given to me by a man who wanted me to love him and adore him as my superhero,  without loving me in return, he used me for his own glorification.  I cannot keep his name and have a heart that is free from that reality enough to be able to heal and become healthy.  The name I was given at birth (Sohaei) ,  wasn't mine biologically.   The one I used my first 12 years (Cruz),  was biological,  but belonged to a man I never met,  and who never seemed to want to meet me.  The name I was given after my mother remarried (Jameson) ,  belongs to a man who violently abused me for years.  Not any good choices for last names in the bunch.
The first name is going to go, too,  because I never really liked it.  That biological father who had no interest in knowing me,  chose it,  insisted on it.   And when I found out the meaning was "sorrows", well,  I saw how it fit,  and like it even less!
But I have made many changes.  And have seen my life go in a different direction. The new name I have been given brings promise and hope!
The first name, most of you already know.  You have read every previous post and have been with me,  on my life's journey for years.
"Dottie" means gift of God.   Not that I am claiming to be such a thing,  but I have been given this name by people who love me unconditionally,  and that is a gift from God! And I want that reminder,  my life is a gift from God,  so that I can live the rest of my days giving back to Him. They say it is short for "Daughter of my heart."
The last name is from the people who called me Dottie first. As I said,  they love me unconditionally,  they make me feel accepted as I am.  I don't have to measure up to any standard or treat them special.    They are my family.  They want to see me move forward and be everything God intends (something I have never experienced before).
"George" doesn't have a fabulous meaning like "Dottie", but it has a reputation that will encourage me to hold my head high,  praise the Lord,  and remind me of His goodness to me,  all my years.  It will remind me what unconditional love looks and acts like. It will remind me of those who supported and loved me when I felt like nobody else cared. And I will be assured that I can keep going forward no matter how tired I get,  because I am a George, and the Georges know I can make it,  if I keep my focus on God.
I know there are some reading this who might hurt for my biological family.  Don't.  We have not been a family for decades,  and can not be more than acquaintances for the years to come.  This is not me walking away from them (That choice was made for me, long ago). It is me breaking free from the mess,  and starting new.  They will know that this change is happening before the legal process is finished.  And what ever they choose to do with it,  is entirely up to them.
So,  in a week or so,  when you see Dottie George on your facebook,  with my picture,  remember this post and don't think I've been hacked or duplicated.   There's only one me,  but I have changed...

Comments

  1. As I read the liturgical texts for today (which I do to get my thinking about sermons), I settled on a sermon title I would give based on those texts - "What's in a name?" This post only confirmed that sermon choice for me. Too bad I don't have a chance to preach it. It woulda been a good one.

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  2. The only name I'll ever want to be called is child of the most high God. When earthly encumberances stop us from being able to serve Him, then it's time to get rid of them, even if it's a name someone gave you.
    Jesus changed the names of people. Cephas to Peter. Saul to Paul. And each time he did it it allowed for those people to be used to glorify Him and to further His kingdom. Obviously if Saul had remained Saul, he would have faced even more opposition in spreading the very Gospel he had previously killed men for. Jesus knew the name change needed to be made.
    And now, if the Holy Spirit has pricked your heart to make this change, then it is not ours to question why.
    So congrats Dottie George to a new beginning. Make your mark on this Earth. All our love to you!

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    Replies
    1. Thank you for completely understanding my heart!

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  4. I AM SO EXCITED AND HAPPY FOR YOU. I GOT RID OF MY BIO LAST NAME NAME FROM MY MOTHER. FOR THE SAME REASONS YOU HAVE LISTED. I ALSO DO NOT ALLOW PPL TO CALL ME A NAME THAT REPRESENTS MY PAST AS I AM NOT THAT PERSON. I AM A NEW CREATURE IN CHRIST!! PTL!!! I HAD COMPLETE PEACE AS I READ GODS WORD AND SEEN HE CHANGED PEOPLES NAME FOR HIS GLORY, AND I WANT TO BE USED FOR HIS GLORY ONLY, NOT MANS. I AM SO PROUD OF YOU AND WHO YOU ARE. FELIZ ANO NUEVO MI HNA. DOTTIE GEORGE.

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