In Greek my name means “Oath of God”.  In English it means many things. It means strength, it means the love for God, it means compassion. It’s like the number ten. A rich, bright gold. It is the Bible in church that people learn on Sunday mornings, passages like strength. The walls within a palace of leadership and honor. Everyday battles that people face through hardships, that only show them more reason to love themselves.   

It was a name my mother gave me from her mother’s middle name. It has a deep history in the name of God. Elizabeth, the mother of John the Baptist, what she holds is history of faith. She walked this Earth long before us with her husband that were chosen by God to nurture and teach a miracle baby. She was a servant of God. The almighty Queen Elizabeth, staying righteous before God. She plays a role of Chrisitanity. The queen that is righteous to God. A Defender of the Faith. Making a kingdom of shouting joy for the love of God. They are the voices of christianity and  leaders in the mist that have never lost faith. They walked the Earth knowingly and ready to rule and prepare their followers of God. 

Defender of the Faith and the Mother of John the Baptist. Their blood is overflowing with God’s love. I wonder if they were chosen to be a part of a journey through Christ. Elizabeth. Compassion. Faithful. Loyal. Worshiper. Love.I have been blessed to be named Elizabeth, the roots of this name holds more than just a name; it holds history. 

I don’t go by my name as much, I am always called Lizzie by my friends. My mom calls me Elizabeth and the syllables roll off her tongue so smoothly like gold—as if I am the Queen of England. Lizzie they call me, just so simple but never has a lasting effect. Like the flavor from a piece of gum. Chewing it until the flavor is gone. When I hear “Elizabeth” it takes me back in a Kingdom. A Kingdom full of bright lights, laughter coming from children, and being respected. 

I could be Lizzie, Beth, Eliza, or even Zab that hides my true name. But knowing the history of my name from the Mother and the Queen, I would be Elizabeth. A strong, devoted, and noble person. This name is who I am; a follower of Christ. A voice to the people of God. I was put into this world with the name of Elizabeth to keep it’s reputation flowing. It comes full circle, all the Elizabeths’ that came before me, spreading the word of faith. It’s up to me to make them proud.