Day 16 - What's in a Name?

And the LORD said to Moses, "I will do the very thing you have asked, because I am pleased with you and I know you by name." Exodus 33: 17

Thursday, March 24, 2011

I am a writer, a wordsmith, and am intrigued by the meanings and origins of words. And especially of names, which are very special words.

A name can say a lot about a person, and traditionally, a person's name, especially the last name, designated his or her trade. For example, and in all simplicity, the surname of Shepherd would tell me that this person worked as a sheep-tender. John Baker would be just that -- a baker. And Erica Cooper? Well, she (or more likely her husband) was in the barrel-making trade.

Lately, I've been thinking about Dr. Ford's names -- first and last.

Beginning with his first name, Ryan has a two-fold meaning. Sometimes it means "little king," and sometimes "water." The water meaning is especially interesting, tying in with his last name -- Ford -- a shallow place in a body of water, such as a river, where one can cross by walking or riding on an animal or in a vehicle.

I'm encouraged by these names, and their meanings. This whole 100-Day Journey was devised to carry me from one lifestyle into another. And Dr. Ford is helping me across that dividing line between illness and wellness -- a true ford, a definite crossing. Not over a bridge, but guiding me by getting my feet wet and helping me through the challenges.

Sounds a little far-fetched, I know, but that's the way my mind thinks, when I allow it to.

They crossed at the ford to take the king's household over and do whatever he wished. When Shimei son of Gera crossed the Jordan, he fell prostrate before the king. 2 Samuel 19: 18

But this is the best part! Smile along with me if you must, but I couldn't resist. We share the same name! Ryan is Dr. Ford's first name, and it's my last name. Hold steady, don't roll your eyes too far. I'm sure you know where I'm going with this one...

"So the last will be first, and the first will be last." Matthew 20: 16

 

Back to reality, today's meals were pretty basic. Hey, I'm a good cook, but I don't necessary want to cook EVERY meal EVERY single day! So breakfast was leftovers from last night. Yep, stir-fry in the morning. Try it -- it's not too bad, especially when you can't have eggs or cereal and are getting a little tired of bacon and fruit.

I ventured out for my first "dining in public" experience at a lunch meeting, with a salad of spinach and other greens, chopped bacon, sliced cucumbers, chicken breast strips, all dressed with balsamic vinegar and olive oil.

And dinner? I still kept it simple. I braised strips of beef steak in the juices from last night's stir fry, then tossed some steamed broccoli in to soak up the broth. And I made some extra steak for Saturday.

Su