My Name is "Changeable"

My Name is “Changeable”

Inwardly, I laughed as I considered this writer’s probable creative attempt to avoid plagiarism as I read the card with my name translation. Julie means changeable? Similar items usually say youthful spirit or lighthearted-though childlike and naïve might be more appropriate at times.

Images of myself as a transformer, a changeling, shape shifter or an animagus came to mind first but then came other darker images of changers-werewolves, vampires and bogarts.

I found this unsettling. I was glad all of these images were of fictional beings.

Why didn’t I think of God first?

I guess because I consider God to be my rock, my stability in changing times and I look to Him to find solid ground when I am slipping.

But God is about change…from God to man to God to Spirit-all the same but changed for us. We celebrate and witness this in every Mass and it is amazing when we are there in the moment.

As I read the translation, my face probably began contorting with raised eyebrows and a thoughtful gaze as I considered what this meant if anything to me or if it was a good thing. It almost felt insulting to go from youthful spirit to changeable.

I don’t like being identified with change. I long for stability. I find that in God. However, God gives us changes in our daily lives to help us to grow more into His image. Examining myself, I find I am changing even as I write this blog.
Physically, I don’t change much; in fact, speaking of rocks, I think I have the metabolism of one.

However, I do change from role to role-writer to mom to teacher to friend to …
As I said, I think of God as my rock of stability. I even envision this large rock similar to the rock that is often pictured in the Agony in the Garden mystery pictures.

Let’s think about this for a moment. Do rocks change, move, cycle or cause changes? What is sand? Sand is little stones worn by time from big rocks to broken down bits…humbled rocks…sand –billions plus of tiny stones working together to form something bigger and more beautiful than one large, cumbersome rock. When they work together bits of sand can shift and move mighty obstacles with the wind/water (Holy Spirit). Together sand pieces can change a landscape, move rocks and large solid things.

God is about change. Jesus as God-broken and beaten to change and for change. In His lowest state He made the greatest transformation that still lives and grows and influences the events of today.

I have been experiencing my own sense of brokenness lately and I know that I am seeing that I must become more humble and work with others. This is how changes that are necessary can happen. Worn down, broken but finding strength in unity with God and others to be an instrument of change-I am changeable. I now find myself wondering-a rock, a stone or a piece of sand?

One small card gift from a friend has helped me to realize that “changeable” can be a good name for me-even though it makes me feel a little queasy. I am inspired to try to be a tiny grain of humbled rock.

What does your name mean? Curious minds want to know.