A Personal Story of Faith, Honor, and Identity

The Journey Back to My Birth Name: Gregory 

The Name That Was Lost 

Ever since I was young, I've been known as Greg. It was a name that rolled off the tongue easily, a friendly and approachable nickname that everyone used without question. Looking back, it might have started because my dad had a hard time saying "Gregory" - perhaps the full name felt too formal or difficult for everyday use. But there was always something deeper behind my given name. 

My mother had always wanted to name her son Gregory. This wasn't a casual decision made in the hospital room; it was a dream she'd carried since childhood. Raised in a Catholic school, she had studied the life and legacy of St. Gregory, and the name held profound spiritual significance for her. When I was born, she finally had the chance to bestow this meaningful name upon me, infusing it with her hopes, dreams, and faith. 

For decades, though, I lived as "Greg" - a shortened, simplified version of the identity my parents had so carefully chosen. It was easier, more casual, more approachable. But as I grew older and deeper in my faith, I started to feel a disconnect between this abbreviated version of myself and the person I was becoming. 

The Divine Revelation 

My turning point came through a passage that many of us learned in childhood but had never applied in such a personal way: Ephesians 6:1-3. The words seemed to leap off the page: "Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. 'Honor your father and mother'—which is the first commandment with a promise—'so that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth.'" 

This scripture resonated deeply with me, especially the part about honoring my parents. But here's where I found myself in a dilemma: my parents lived a thousand miles away. I couldn't honor them through daily acts of service or regular visits. How could I practically live out this commandment when geography separated us? 

In prayer, wrestling with this question, I asked Daddy God how I could truly honor my parents from such a distance. The answer that came wasn't what I expected, but it was crystal clear: "By using your birth name." 

It was one of those moments when God's voice cuts through all the noise and speaks directly to your heart. Simple. Profound. Life-changing. 

The Weight of a Name 

As I pondered this revelation, I began to understand the depth of what God was showing me. My parents had given me the name Gregory, a name infused with their hopes, dreams, love, and faith. My mother's childhood dream, her study of St. Gregory, the prayers they prayed over my life - all of this was wrapped up in those seven letters: G-R-E-G-O-R-Y. 

By using the shortened version "Greg," I realized I was unconsciously shedding a part of their legacy and the heritage they had bestowed upon me. It wasn't intentional disrespect, but it was a gradual drift away from the fullness of their blessing and vision for my life. 

I decided that returning to my birth name, Gregory, was a way to honor them and fully embrace the blessings tied to the fifth commandment. It was a way of saying, "I receive the full weight of your love, your prayers, and your hopes for my life." 

The Power in the Meaning 

As I researched my name more deeply, I discovered something that felt like divine confirmation. The name Gregory derives from the Greek name "Gregorios," which means "guardian" or "watchman." This wasn't just a coincidence - it was a prophetic calling embedded in my very identity. 

Embracing my full name, Gregory, felt like stepping into a role of greater responsibility and purpose. I wasn't just Greg anymore - a casual, shortened version of myself. I was Gregory: a guardian of my family's values, a watchman over my own actions, and a steward of the spiritual legacy my parents had entrusted to me. 

The meaning resonated with how I felt called to live: as someone who guards truth, watches over others, and takes seriously the responsibility of the name I carry. It was as if my parents, guided by God's wisdom, had prophetically named me for the calling I would one day embrace. 

The Challenge of Change 

The transition wasn't instantaneous, nor was it easy. When you've been known by one name for decades, changing to another - even your birth name - feels strange at first. Friends and colleagues who had known me as Greg found it a bit odd. Some asked if I was going through a midlife crisis or trying to sound more professional. 

Even today, some people still struggle with calling me Gregory. Old habits die hard, and names are deeply ingrained in how people see and relate to us. I've learned to be patient with this process, understanding that change takes time for everyone involved. 

But here's what I discovered: every time someone calls me Gregory instead of Greg, I feel a deeper connection to who I was created to be. It's like putting on a piece of clothing that fits perfectly after wearing something too small for years. 

The Ripple Effects 

Using Gregory has brought me a sense of completeness and alignment with my values that I didn't expect. It's a small change that has had a profound impact on my life in ways I'm still discovering. 

First, it serves as a daily reminder of the importance of honoring my parents. Every time I introduce myself or sign my name, I'm making a conscious choice to embrace their love and vision for my life. It's a form of worship - honoring those through whom God gave me life. 

Second, it connects me more deeply to my faith heritage. The saints and spiritual leaders who bore this name before me become part of my story. I'm not just carrying my parents' hopes; I'm connected to a lineage of faith that stretches back centuries. 

Third, it has changed how I see my calling and responsibility. The meaning "guardian" and "watchman" influences how I approach ministry, relationships, and daily decisions. I take more seriously the role of protecting and watching over the people and values God has entrusted to me. 

A Question for Your Journey 

This experience has made me wonder about others' relationships with their names. How about your journey? Do you know the meaning of your name? Have you ever researched the hopes and dreams your parents had when they chose it? 

Are you using a slang version or nickname that might be distancing you from the fullness of your identity? I'm not saying everyone needs to change what they're called, but I am suggesting it's worth considering whether you're fully embracing the blessing and calling embedded in your given name. 

Sometimes our parents prophetically name us for destinies we haven't yet stepped into. Sometimes the meaning of our name holds keys to understanding our purpose. Sometimes returning to our full name is an act of honoring not just our parents, but the God who inspired them to choose it. 

The Blessing of Obedience 

The fifth commandment comes with a promise: "so that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth." Since embracing my full name as an act of honoring my parents, I've experienced this blessing in tangible ways. 

Relationships have deepened. My sense of purpose has clarified. My connection to my family heritage has strengthened. And yes, I believe it has contributed to things going well in my life - not because of the name itself, but because of the heart posture of honor and obedience it represents. 

Living Into Your Name 

Your name isn't just what people call you - it's a prophecy, a blessing, a piece of your identity that was spoken over you before you could even understand its significance. Whether you're considering your given name, a nickname you've adopted, or even contemplating a name change, I encourage you to seek God's heart about it. 

Maybe you'll discover, like I did, that you've been abbreviating not just your name but your destiny. Maybe you'll find that embracing your full name is a step toward embracing your full calling. Or maybe you'll simply gain a deeper appreciation for the love and thoughtfulness that went into choosing what you're called. 

Whatever your journey, remember that names matter to God. He calls us by name, knows us by name, and has written our names in the book of life. The name you carry is part of your story, part of your calling, and part of your legacy. 

The Daily Reminder 

Today, when I sign my name as Gregory, when I introduce myself with my full name, when I answer to the name my parents gave me, I'm reminded that I am: 

• A guardian of family values and spiritual truth 

• A watchman called to protect and serve others 

• A son who honors his parents through daily choices 

• A man walking in the fullness of his God-given identity 

It's a small act with profound implications. It's a daily choice to embrace not just a name, but a calling. 

What's in your name? Have you fully embraced the identity, calling, and blessing that was spoken over you from birth? Sometimes the journey forward begins with a journey back - back to who we were always meant to be. 

Be a Blessing, 
Sir Gregory 

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