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My husband has many names for me. Most are sweet and endearing. Others are a reflection of my mood or personality. Ha! One specific title, he often used when we were first married was ‘chihuahua.’ Then weighing only 105 pounds, my bark was louder than my bite. I could get on a roll and let the aggravating complaints yelp from my small frame. I have calmed down through the years, but even still, I can get a little feisty. To date, if my mood and words begin to spill out of control, my husband, with his crooked smile, will respond with, “There’s my little chihuahua. I thought I had lost her.” 🙂
Even my grandbabies have nicknames. Their pet names are sweet and enduring. For example, our oldest is called ‘Noodle’ because her hair hangs in curls like pasta. Our Bella is often called”Bella Bug.” She is a snuggle-bug who will melt into your body with the appropriate form needed to get an extra cuddle.
Funny, isn’t it, the nicknames we have been given? When you know someone well, you can get adorned with an appropriate name that sticks for a lifetime. Often, the title will have a story behind it or a message for an intimate circle. My husband can get away with calling me a ‘chihuahua’, though it represents an exasperated yipping dog, because I know he loves me. He has my best interests in mind. His nickname is a gentle reminder that I can handle things a little differently. 🙂
How about you? Do you have a beloved nickname your closest circle calls you? If so, which one means the most to you and why?
I am often drawn to the names that my heavenly Father has given me. He knows every cell within my being, every detail of my life. And He calls me a Masterpiece. He sees me as loved, forgiven, cherished, and healed. His nick-names come with a deep everlasting love and security.
Here are a few of my favorites. I challenge you to envision Jesus looking you in the eye today, and whispering these names over you.
Daughter
“I will be a father to you, and you shall be sons and daughters to me, says the Lord Almighty.” 2 Corinthians 6:18 (ESV)
Masterpiece
“For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.” Ephesians 2:10 (NLT)
Saint
“To the saints and faithful brothers in Christ at Colossae: Grace to you and peace from God our Father.” Colossians 1:2 (ESV)
Friend
“You are My friends if ye do what I command you,” John 15:14 (NIV)
Light
“You are the light of the world. Let your light shine,” Matthew 5:14,16 (ESV)
A New Creature
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.” 2 Corinthians 5:17 (ESV)
Redeemed
“For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your ancestors, but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect. He was chosen before the creation of the world, but was revealed in these last times for your sake. Through him you believe in God, who raised him from the dead and glorified him, and so your faith and hope are in God. 1 Peter 1:18-21 (NIV)
Apple of His Eye
“For thus said the LORD of hosts, after his glory sent me to the nations who plundered you, for he who touches you touches the apple of his eye.” Zechariah 2:8 (ESV)
Ladies, those are the most beautiful titles for you from the One who loves you more than life it self. The Creator of all the world calls you His daughter, His Masterpiece, a Saint, His friend, a light, a new creature in Him, Redeemed, and the Apple of His eye.
And that my friend is much better than being called a Chihuahua!
Live loved because you are!