My daughter is in orientation as a nurse at Mission Hospital. They asked the new recruits: "What is one word by which you would like to be known?" My daughter chose the word, "helper".
Last month, Wim Schippers, who is known by the apt description of "absurdist artist", was remembered by a museum in his home country of the Netherlands by one of his signature works. They poured 800 pounds of peanut butter on a gallery floor.
This month Jeff and I have used texts about Jacob, one of the three great patriarchs of our faith. Despite all that Jacob did, he will forever be known by the etymology of his name, "heel-grabber". He came into this world, grabbing the heel of his twin brother, Esau. He continued to grab everything from birth rights, to livestock, to a blessing from God.
What is the word by which you would like to be known. Most likely not "absurd" hopefully not "heel-grabber". But I invite you to find word that fits the way God imagines you. Embrace it, and make yourself known. Be informed by the words of the Psalm139:14:
I will give thanks to you because I have been so amazingly
and miraculously made.
Your works are miraculous, and my soul is fully aware of this.
Searching with you, to own my descriptive word in Christ, Tempe'
A prayer based on Psalm 139 O God, you search me and you know me.
All my thoughts lie open to your gaze.
When I walk or lie down you are before me:
Ever the maker and keeper of my days.
You know my resting and my rising.
You discern my purpose from afar,
And with love everlasting you besiege me:
In ev’ry moment of life or death, you are.
Before a word is on my tongue, Lord,
You have known its meaning through and through.
You are with me beyond my understanding:
God of my present, my past and future, too.
(translated by Bernadette Farrell OCP Publications )