The character of Joseph

Having set the genealogy of Jesus, Matthew goes onto speak about his conception and birth. For the circumstances of the pregnancy and birth of this child were most unusual and miraculous:

Matthew 1:18–25 (ESV):

Now the birth of Jesus Christ took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit. 19 And her husband Joseph, being a just man and unwilling to put her to shame, resolved to divorce her quietly. 20 But as he considered these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary as your wife, for that which is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. 21 She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” 22 All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet: 

 23  “Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, 

and they shall call his name Immanuel” 

(which means, God with us). 24 When Joseph woke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him: he took his wife, 25 but knew her not until she had given birth to a son. And he called his name Jesus. 

This passage of Scripture shows a humble and righteous man in Joseph. He had probably waited for quite some time before getting to officially marry Mary, the betrothal process taking up to 2 years. In Israel at this time betrothal was a long period to allow for negotiations about bride price and arrangements for the marriage to be made. It was not a private agreement between two people either, families and the wider community would be aware when a man and woman were joined together in this way. During betrothal the couple were considered legally bound to one another already, it is much more than what we may understand an engagement to be. Betrothal is an official agreement, already binding two people together that can only be broken through divorce. It is a serious commitment, and this is what Joseph and Mary had entered into. This makes the circumstances of Mary becoming pregnant so serious and devastating for them both.

During this process of betrothal Joseph finds that his promised wife is pregnant. Not only that, but she has a most unusual story as to how! No wonder he initially thought about divorcing her, she not only has been unfaithful, but is lying about it. However, Joseph did not act rashly, he considered what to do. He clearly loved Mary as he was ‘unwilling to put her to shame’, he knew what treatment would befall her as an unmarried mother. Joseph, simply referred to as a ‘just man’ acted in a respectful and honourable manner towards Mary when he did not need to. Society would likely have responded in a very different way. If she wasn’t stoned to death, Mary would at least have been ostracised. Joseph did not want that for her. Instead, he chose to love her even in the way he ‘resolved’ what action to take. He could have humiliated and shamed Mary in front of her family and the whole community, yet he honours her instead. Even though Joseph must have been heartbroken; the promise of a wife, the awaited union, the hope of family to come, all shattered as he finds out his betrothed is pregnant and he had nothing to do with it. Yet Joseph did not act out of anger or fear, or even in concern for his reputation. Instead he considered and determined his course of action. This shows he was an honourable and considerate man, sensible, not prone to anger, and he didn’t just go along with cultural norms. Joseph desired to do the right thing by himself, Mary, and his community. Even before the angel appeared to him, we can see Joseph is a kind, generous and considered man who is slow to anger. He would make a good husband and father with those qualities, no wonder God chose him.

Then, the angel comes. The circumstances of the pregnancy are revealed, and Joseph, despite his own reservations, concerns and the likely whisperings of society, is obedient to God. He did as the angel told him as soon as he woke up! He had considered and delayed his course of action before then, but as soon as he knew God had spoken, he acted. What faith and faithfulness! He did the unthinkable really, he married a pregnant young woman who was not carrying his child! Yet he did it because God said so. It would not have been easy for Joseph. He would have had awkward conversations as Mary’s pregnancy became more obvious, there would be rumours, his reputation would be called into question as well as Mary’s. It must have been difficult for them both. However, both Joseph and Mary knew what had happened and were obedient to God, even though it was scary and they didn’t know who would believe them. 

Not only was Joseph obedient in marrying Mary, but even after the official wedding ceremony is complete, Joseph chooses not to consummate their marriage until after Jesus is born. He respects God so much that he puts aside himself, his rights and desires, in order to honour both God and Mary. What a humble, sacrificial man. Joseph shows himself to be a man committed to God and doing the right thing, even at his own expense. Kind, generous and faith-filled, obedient, slow to anger, considered and considerate. It is not surprising that God chose him to be the earthly father to His son. Out of painful and difficult circumstances, Joseph got to help mould and develop the Son of God. We can see that as a great privilege, which i am sure it was, but it did not come without pain and difficulty. Joseph was willing to deny himself in order to honour God and others. If you want to make an impact in the World for God’s Kingdom, are you willing to do the same; to be obedient to God even when it is inconvenient, painful and cross-cultural? God can call you to do some amazing things, but do you have the right character for it? Joseph did.

I am poor and needy

 Psalm 86:1–17 (ESV):  

1  Incline your ear, O Lord, and answer me, 

for I am poor and needy. 

 2  Preserve my life, for I am godly; 

save your servant, who trusts in you—you are my God. 

 3  Be gracious to me, O Lord, 

for to you do I cry all the day. 

 4  Gladden the soul of your servant, 

for to you, O Lord, do I lift up my soul. 

 5  For you, O Lord, are good and forgiving, 

abounding in steadfast love to all who call upon you. 

 6  Give ear, O Lord, to my prayer; 

listen to my plea for grace. 

 7  In the day of my trouble I call upon you, 

for you answer me. 

 8  There is none like you among the gods, O Lord, 

nor are there any works like yours. 

 9  All the nations you have made shall come 

and worship before you, O Lord, 

and shall glorify your name. 

 10  For you are great and do wondrous things; 

you alone are God. 

 11  Teach me your way, O Lord, 

that I may walk in your truth; 

unite my heart to fear your name. 

 12  I give thanks to you, O Lord my God, with my whole heart, 

and I will glorify your name forever. 

 13  For great is your steadfast love toward me; 

you have delivered my soul from the depths of Sheol. 

 14  O God, insolent men have risen up against me; 

a band of ruthless men seeks my life, 

and they do not set you before them. 

 15  But you, O Lord, are a God merciful and gracious, 

slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness. 

 16  Turn to me and be gracious to me; 

give your strength to your servant, 

and save the son of your maidservant. 

 17  Show me a sign of your favour, 

that those who hate me may see and be put to shame 

because you, Lord, have helped me and comforted me. 

This psalm written by David shows his humility. Even though he is a strong, powerful, blessed king, he describes himself as, ‘poor and needy….your servant’. As a young man in his father’s house we can see how this would relate to David, but when he wrote this psalm as the anointed king of the nation of God, it can seem odd to try to comprehend. Yet, ‘poor and needy’ is how David describes himself in several of the psalms. As David considers and praises God, i think he recognises how poor and needy he is in comparison with Him. No matter the earthly riches, authority and reputation he has on Earth, what is it when you compare it to God? It is ‘poor’ and insignificant in comparison, and the level of capacity and capability is ‘needy’ indeed. David acknowledged this in a way many of us miss. 

It is not encouraged or desired by society to be known as ‘poor and needy’. In fact, those who are can be looked down upon and pitied so David does not go to people in his poverty or neediness. The only one David wishes to show his lack to is God, for what could man do? God can get to the heart of the deprivation that David feels. It must have been hard for him to relate to being king. From the lowly, overlooked position of a shepherd to a throne, it is not surprising that David felt like he didn't belong, that he wasn't prepared and that he didn't have enough within himself to perform his duties. Yet he was king because he went to the place we all need to when we feel insufficient for the task ahead of us - he went to God. The only one who can give life, salvation, grace, forgiveness, love, courage, hope and joy. These are the things you really need when you feel ‘poor and needy'.

As well as acknowledging the poverty and need in his own life, this psalm also glorifies God. In fact, most of it is a psalm of recognition of how wonderful God is. David recalls how God is good and forgiving, and always loves him - you can see the genuine relationship and delight David has with God. Yet he does not, even as king, consider himself at all powerful or in control in comparison to God, when he thinks about God, he realises how poor and needy he is! As much authority as David has, or as much influence, as many people or wealth he has at his fingers, when you match it up to the wealth, authority, power and capacity God has it truly is ‘poor and needy'. David honours God as the Almighty King. The One who can change any circumstance, the only truly God because no-one and nothing else can compare with what God can do (v8-10). 

In his humility, David asks God to show him what His ‘way’ is. Sometimes we can be so confused and distressed that we do not know what way to go, or what God wants from us in a particular situation. So even in this time where David is in need, he seeks God to show him how to live right to, ‘unite my heart to fear your name’. David knew that his emotions were all over the place, but even so he wanted to honour and serve God well in this season. So he asked God to help unite his heart with obedience to God. What is your response when you are in distress? To you accept your feelings and allow yourself to be mastered by them or do you, even then, in the midst of overwhelming disappointment and sadness decide to subject your emotions to God? This is what David did, and this is powerful. In an age when people do what they feel and follow their emotions, the people of God are not to do that but instead to seek God first. Above thoughts, desires and feelings, they are to invite God to restructure their hearts so that they can live their lives in truth. Is your heart's cry to God in times of difficulty;  'Teach me your way, O Lord, that I may walk in your truth; unite my heart to fear your name'?

You are poor and needy. You will encounter disappointment and heartache, but you are not to be led by those experiences or emotions. For in your need you have an Almighty God, and Everlasting Father and a Faithful Friend you can call upon to uphold, strengthen, love and guide you. Will you call upon God in your times of need? At the end of this outpouring of love, praise and recognition of the greatness of God David declares, 'Lord, have helped me and comforted me'. Just through spending quality time with God, David has felt comforted, listened to and helped. The situation has not radically changed in the moments of this prayer, but offloading to God and showing that you are willing to do things God's way, not your own, allows God to minister to you. Relying on God gives strength, purpose and unites your heart. I wonder what His way is for you. Are you prepared to ask God to show you, and trust God to unite your heart?

Careless talk costs lives

 Psalm 52:1–9 (ESV):  

1  Why do you boast of evil, O mighty man? 

The steadfast love of God endures all the day. 

2  Your tongue plots destruction, 

like a sharp razor, you worker of deceit. 

3  You love evil more than good, 

and lying more than speaking what is right. Selah 

4  You love all words that devour, 

O deceitful tongue. 

5  But God will break you down forever; 

he will snatch and tear you from your tent; 

he will uproot you from the land of the living. Selah 

6  The righteous shall see and fear, 

and shall laugh at him, saying, 

7  “See the man who would not make 

God his refuge, 

but trusted in the abundance of his riches 

and sought refuge in his own destruction!” 

8  But I am like a green olive tree 

in the house of God. 

I trust in the steadfast love of God 

forever and ever. 

9  I will thank you forever, 

because you have done it. 

I will wait for your name, for it is good, 

in the presence of the godly. 

Do you feel sorry for the man that is spoken of as a devouring tongue? 

It is not a pleasant metaphor - to be compared to a tongue, particularly one which is deceitful, lying and destructive. Throughout scripture we are warned about the power and difficulty of taming the tongue. You can get caught up with ideas and words and end up saying things you do not mean, creating trouble you never intended when you do not take words seriously, or are negligent in controlling what you say. Words have power (see Proverbs 18:21). I am sure that you have been both inspired and hurt by others’ words. I am also sure that you also have inspired and hurt others in the way you have spoken. 

This psalm serves as a great reminder of the power of words and that you and I can get carried away by them. They can form your life and that of others. Words have power to build or destroy, they can effect a reputation and impact relationships. Words have power, therefore be careful how you use them. 

Doeg, the person referred to as the ‘tongue’ was not wise in how he handled the information and words that he had. Maybe he did not consider the full ramification of the words he spoke as he told Saul about David’s whereabouts and the help David and his men had received. Through sharing this information Doeg caused the deaths of many - he murdered the priest Ahimelech then slaughtered his family, 85 priests and the entire city where they lived. The situation snowballed because Doeg was not considered in what he said or to whom he said it. As a result of sharing information with Saul Doeg became a mass murderer, and now has a reputation of being a deceitful, lying, destructive tongue. 

We do not know what the man was like before. He may have been a faithful, valiant warrior, a strong father and a loving friend, but all we know is of who he became because of what he communicated in this situation. We see a the murderous, deceitful, selfish man. There is nothing good that we see in Doeg's reputation due to what he said and then what he did. From his report to Saul his life descended into further destruction. I wonder if he considered the ramifications of sharing the news of David' whereabouts. 

Do not let your life become a result of the effects of the unwise things you say. It is easy to get excited when speaking and get carried away by what you say until you say too much or something hurtful. Words can cause destruction and chaos, but can equally bring comfort and joy.  It is your responsibility how you use them and with what intent, as once spoken the words cannot be erased from those who hear them. You can bring about a clever little quip, a little exaggeration, hoping for a laugh or to impress, but where does that end up? How about promising with good intention, but not delivering? Even trying to relate to someone can end up with over sharing information and can be damaging. Maybe for Doeg it started because he wanted to impress Saul or get noticed amongst the many soldiers, advisers and leaders that surrounded the king, and so with no other thought than ambition told him this news. Yet much pain, suffering and death ensued from Doeg’s report. 

During the Second World War there was a campaign that warned, ‘careless talk costs lives’, we can see from this account of Doeg how true that is. Words are powerful, they can build up or destroy, they can breathe life into situations or death, so be mindful how you use them. Be considered in how you speak and what you say. Do not be carefree and careless; your reputation and the wellbeing of others depends upon the words of your mouth. 

David, on the other hand, considers the way he communicates. In this psalm he is not ranting to his friends, or anyone else, but he is bringing his thoughts to God. He knows the power of waiting on God and depending on Him to make right the situation. He sees the sin and deceit, but he does not desire to have an argument or battle with Doeg. He is assured that God has seen what has occurred and is equally assured that, in time, God will deal with it. David is content to wait for the actions of God rather than pursue his own vengeance. David reminds himself that the sinful who purposefully act against God and speak against His people are not going to reign in life for long. One day, and not too far off, their plans will cease to succeed as God has a plan for His glory to be displayed. Those, like Doeg, who,‘would not make God his refuge’ and who ‘sought refuge in destruction’ will end up being broken, uprooted, and a source of laughter rather than fear. One day this power, respect and authority will be destroyed as they have no protection other than the destruction they have caused. Whereas those who continue to honour, obey and love God can ‘trust in the steadfast love of God forever and ever’. God’s love, character, goodness and longevity will never run out, it is available all day, every day, so rest and remain secure in that knowledge. In time, David was vindicated, he became king and ruled the nation of Israel well. This situation with Doeg just became a small part of the story of his life before that. I imagine that when David looked back at his life this instance was not one that featured largely in his memory. The same is true for you. The pain of today will not last for long. When people speak against you, their power and influence may last for a time but it cannot effect your identity or the promises of God in your life. Instead of holding concern for those things, bring them to God and allow Him to deal with it, and carry on living the life God has given you. One day, those who speak destruction over you will themselves be destroyed. Instead, you need to, 'trust in the steadfast love of God forever and ever'.

what is your reputation?

 The satraps and officials got their way. There was no loophole in the king’s edict, no matter how much the king fretted and tried to find one, so Daniel was punished for breaking it by being thrown into the den of lions;

‘Then, at break of day, the king arose and went in haste to the den of lions. *20*As he came near to the den where Daniel was, he cried out in a tone of anguish. The king declared to Daniel, “O Daniel, servant of the living God, has your God, whom you serve continually, been able to deliver you from the lions?” *21*Then Daniel said to the king, “O king, live forever! *22*My God sent his angel and shut the lions’ mouths, and they have not harmed me, because I was found blameless before him; and also before you, O king, I have done no harm.” *23*Then the king was exceedingly glad, and commanded that Daniel be taken up out of the den. So Daniel was taken up out of the den, and no kind of harm was found on him, because he had trusted in his God. .’

Daniel 6:19–23.

As soon as he can, after an anguished, sleep-deprived night, the king rushes to the den to find out Daniel’s fate. He addresses Daniel, ‘O Daniel, servant of the living God’. Still gripped by fear, the king doesn't forget Daniel's reputation. It is quite an unusual greeting, certainly not how I have ever heard someone addressed. Yet, what a powerful greeting, what a way to be known!

Daniel’s name has become synonymous with being a servant of God and everyone knows him that way; the satraps, officials, king and the community know that Daniel is a servant of the living God, he is not ashamed of it, he has not hidden it, in fact Daniel has intentionally made his trust in God known through the way he lives his life. 

What are you known for? What is your reputation amongst the people?

Daniel has purposefully been open about the God he serves. He has not kept his private life, his work life or his faith separate. In fact he ensures that everything stems from the faith he has in the Living God. His God is his foundation. Daniel; is obedient, prays multiple times a day, trusts God through the many trials, and he recognises his service to this world is through serving God. Daniel’s faith is not a byproduct of his life or an add on like attending a group, but his identity flows from being a ‘servant of the living God’. Daniel naturally, obviously and openly lives for God. He is patient and perseveres when troubles come, not denying or hiding his faith, but boldly walking in it despite persecution. It is not easy for him, in fact his faith could have cost his life several times.  

Are you living a life of faith as openly and boldly?

This is a challenge for us - how do we build a reputation like Daniel? How do we live so boldly for God? If we look at Daniel, we see that he was open and honest. He never hid his beliefs and values, instead he demonstrated and spoke about them. He made the effort to make God known through his life wherever he was, whoever he was with and in whatever he was doing. He did it when things were going well, and he did it when they weren't. Daniel lived consciously and conscientiously for God. He sought a close relationship with his God through prayer and obedience. This is where Daniel’s reputation came from - a trusting relationship with God. Through this he was secure in God’s goodness and faithfulness. As a result, Daniel realised that he did not need to fight for salvation, his reputation or deliverance. He trusted God. There have been times when Daniel could have made his own plans to save himself, instead, every time, he prayed to ‘the living God’. He did not run away or fight back. As a result he sometimes got answers, revelation and miraculous deliverance, and sometimes, he had to face the terrifying reality in the face so that he and others could see God’s miraculous salvation. Every time Daniel trusts in God. Not himself, or a clever plan, but he seeks God and is rewarded with deliverance and a restored reputation. 

If you want to have a reputation like Daniel’s, what are you doing about it? 

Are you inviting God to make a difference to your character so that you can demonstrate unwavering faith in Him in your lifestyle, your work place and in your community? Daniel's reputation was built upon the foundation of a relationship with God. what is yours built on?

Who is Jesus?

Just from the opening lines of Hebrews, we can see the richness of who Jesus is. It is by no means an exhaustive list, but here are the things we can pick out from the very start of this book in Hebrews 1:1-4:

Jesus is;
God’s son
Appointed
Heir of all things
Creator
Radiant
Glory of God
Exact imprint
Upholder of the universe
Powerful
Purifier
Majestic
Superior to angels
Excellent

Number 1, Jesus is God’s son. A son has a duty to follow his father, to reflect who his father is and carry out the father’s work and continue his reputation. It carries a responsibility and expectation that seeing the son means you see aspects of the father. As a result of Jesus’ sonship, many of the following attributes listed can be ascribed - like the fact that Jesus has been appointed by the father.

The appointment Jesus received means he has been; given authority, entrusted and ordained. Jesus not only carries the Father’s attributes, as the consequence of being God’s son, but he has also been commissioned. Jesus has work to do.

For Jesus, the job he was commissioned with was no easy task. His duty was to draw God and people together again. To bridge the gap between divinity and unsacred man. To breach the wide chasm of the holy, pure God, and sinful mankind. What a job! His father entrusted him to carry out this task, knowing that Jesus is the only one able to do it. No-one else bears the; characteristics, capabilities or commission to achieve this task. No-one can work hard enough, try hard enough or be enough to reach God without Jesus. God knew Jesus could and would do what was required. He knew Jesus carried the weight of sonship and his appointment. Only Jesus could bridge the gap, even if it would result in torture, abandonment and death.

Doesn’t that sound strange?
The fact that although Jesus is, ‘the heir of all things’, he suffered. He bled, he died, he felt pain and loneliness. Jesus -  the one who deserves complete honour, respect and adoration, the one who owns all of creation, the one who has unlimited power - was still living under duty and obedience!

Jesus has all power and authority, possession of the whole universe, yet he acknowledges and accepts the will of the father. Jesus still did things he didn’t want to do, he still acted in obedience even though all of creation can’t exist without him - What a contrast! A powerful, mighty, creator, and an obedient, loving, sacrificial son.
Jesus not only demonstrates his power through mighty works, miracles or creation, but he also displays incredible power through his obedience, sacrifice and forgiveness. No wonder that God’s glory is demonstrated in him!
God’s presence is perceived and felt when Jesus is present - the beauty, perfection, wonder and magnificence of God is shown through Jesus. Many people who met him know he was different, the people, the outsiders, those in power and authority, even the religious people realised Jesus was different - there was no denying it. No-one could quite pinpoint his ‘otherness’, but it was clear that he was different to all other people. That must of been because he showed the glory of God - no-one had seen or experienced it before. It was weird and different, inspiring and scary. Jesus could show the glory of God because he is, ‘the exact imprint’ of God. Jesus is an exact reflection of God, not a fake or a cheap alternative, but the genuine article - 100% God. Total holiness, power, goodness and righteousness walking the Earth. Jesus showed who God is all the time. He, as the; son, anointed, heir, creator, imprint and glory of God, is also the one who, ‘upholds the universe by the word of his power’. Wow! Not only was Jesus involved in creation, but this phrase shows that Jesus is continually sustaining creation. Jesus is interested and invested the continuance of what He has made, and still works to uphold his creation. He is just as interested and invested in your life now as he ever was - are you as interested and invested in him?

So, to recap - Jesus is God’s son, 100%, He has authority and power. He was around at the beginning of the universe, and he is still involved in it’s functioning. So how does this effect us?
The very next phrase answers this as Jesus has made, ‘purification for sins’. Not through some ritual, but this obedient son of God, this 100% God-man, the anointed creator made it possible for us to be cleansed and restored relationship with God. He did this through love. He loves God and us more than himself, so this powerful and majestic Jesus gave up all he had in order to give you the chance to know freedom from all you’ve done wrong. Jesus is not a distant eternal entity, but completely invested in all that he has made, and that includes you. He is so invested in fact that he willingly gave himself over to be beaten, tortured, disowned and separated from his Father in order to give you the opportunity to see his Father. Jesus was killed because he wanted you to know something of the purity he knows. To give you the chance to know the Father he knows. You don’t have to live anymore with the stigma or reputation of your wrongs if you accept that Jesus has got it covered. He took all your punishment to allow you to walk free. Are you?

Then, after Jesus had completed the job, just to make sure that we realise the awesomeness of who Jesus is - he goes and sits on the heavenly royal throne, right next to his Father!
Jesus now sits in heaven, in his rightful place. Surrounded by heavenly beings and angels whom he is greater than.
People can have an awe about angels, we hear accounts of people meeting them, both past and present and we are impressed and probably a little jealous! Yet, these heavenly creatures, these messengers, protectors who sit in the presence of God are much less than Jesus. Jesus is, ‘much superior’ and ‘more excellent’ than they. Let us treat with reverence and awe the name of Jesus as those in heaven do. Let us be more inspired by Jesus than we are by anything else.

So, today, consider the power of the name of Jesus, what does he mean to you? What should he mean to you? How does your acknowledgment of who he is effect your life?

A Good Name

‘A good name is better than precious ointment’ 
Ecclesiastes 7:1

A 'good name' - what does that mean?
A name is more than an identifier - a tag or label to set you apart from others.
For the Jews, in the time of Solomon, a name signified something of who they are and what they will be. In 1 Samuel 25:25 it says, ‘as his name is, so is he’ - a name is about the essence of who you are, not just what you are called. It is more than an identifier, it depicts elements of character, personality and potential.

So, to be of ‘good name’ is not just about having a nice name with a meaning or story. It is far more foundational. Being of ‘good name’ is connected with the basis of who we are - our character, reputation and potential. Our name emanates meaning beyond a title. It is not just a tag but a fundamental exhibitiion of who we are.

Your name carries significance. 

Not just because your parents chose it, or because it has a a sweet story attached, but because your character, reputation and potential are attached to it. It may be that you’re not sure about the meaning of your name.
My name, ‘Natalie’  is attached to the words birth and Christmas Day (I was born in April!). So, I may be excused from thinking that my name is irrelevant, as I clearly wasn’t born on Christmas and I have never given birth! Maybe I was just given the name because my parents’ thought it sounded nice.
Yet, this verse tells us there is more to it than that, as does the verse in Samuel. We have our names for a purpose. They are intended to demonstrate something of who we are and what we can become. I do not know how I will live up to my name, but I have been given it and maybe there are things that will be given birth to through my life (I hope so).

It’s not all about the actual name definitions found in every baby book, but to have a good name includes having a good, moral, upright, and admired character. Solomon is saying a good name is highly valued, precious, significant, they are ‘precious ointment’ - something valuable and curative. Our names should do people good when they hear them, they should leave others with a pleasant aroma.

What does your name say about you? Have you ever considered the connotations people will have to your name after meeting you? Does your name seem precious to those who utter it?