These Are My JOTtings, Part #2

Name-Calling Shows Character

Name-calling shows character,
since Jacob's life, the cheater's fame.
He stole his brother's birthright, blest.
His father's blessing, swift to claim.

But Israel, "the Prince of God."
So named by God's Divine bequest,
had striven with the Lord all night.
He limped away from this long test.

Saul, leader "desired" and "asked for" like the king
would destroy the early Christian saints,
but knocked off of his high-horse, blind,
Paul became "small," then jailed for his taints.

The Lord of All so born, and called
one Jesus (Savior), Christ, the King.
This Christ (Messiah) on the cross,
arose as all the saints now sing.

On my own birthday, Stanley born,
a "rock quarry" bequeathed to be.
In irony much weakness shown,
but one day, strong, so made by He.

By names we call the souls inside.
Consistently, the names are known
by character through the lives we live.
At last, into the names we've grown.

Be wise when naming place and child.
We may not know the goals we set,
each self-fulfilling prophecy
at end of days, by names are met.

O God of Mercy's lasting Gift,
bequeath to each an honored name,
that in Your Presence, Joy be lift,
made holy by Christ's Merit's Claim.

Description: Names/Titles show the character of the item or person being named.
Phrase/Image: Name called = Character

by Jay O’Toole
on July 2nd, 2025