What's in a name?

Tim and I wanted to have a unique name for our special guy. "Blaze" caught our attention initially because the "z" went well with "Gilzow". Tim especially wanted our son to have a name that would stand out, he wanted it to be unique. It was important to Tim that doctors and other medical professionals would remember his name. Tim didn't want him to be just another patient, he wanted our son to be remembered.
Last week I sent a private FB message to the surgeon that performed all three of Blaze's surgeries. I wanted to thank him for his dedication and to let him know Blaze is doing well now. The surgeon messaged back that out of all his patients, Blaze's name was one of his favorites. What an incredible compliment. Tim was right, he needed a name that stood out and it did!
I'm constantly amazed at names we call each other, or even worse, the names that we call ourselves! I got to hear a message from Joel Osteen this past week and he emphasized that as individuals we are in battle all the time. The world is ready to tear you down, you at least should be on your side! You need to think positively and trust in the One who formed you. He loves you and you are in His image. In his new book, I Declare, Osteen has daily phrases to say over your life for blessings. He encourages every person to start the day saying positive affirmations about themselves, and claiming God's promises.
Dr. Alan Zimmerman talks about the negative effects of negative thoughts on other people! Just by thinking it, you can physically drain others. Incredible stuff!
So if negative words and thoughts are so painful to us, let's stop saying them. Let's build each other up. Be on each other's support team in this journey. While you're at it, be on your own support team! Think positively about yourself and look for positive things in the situation you're in.
It's hard! Some days wouldn't it be nice to be able just to sit down and talk to a friend about what we're going through?
Did you know that in Exodus 33, it says that God and Moses are friends. What an amazing thought! How incredible, that the God, the Creator of the Universe loves me and calls me "friend." What better name could there be?