What's in a name?

  Let me say right up front that I am "NOT" making fun of or trying to make light of either of these ministries.

  In my travels I see a lot of signs, especially for churches and these two I just happen to see frequently. Most churches have short names like First Baptist Church, Word Tabernacle or something similar but can you imagine having to say all that you see here when asked where you worship? 

  It appears that some, more than others put more thought into titles of churches or denominations and even to what they call the people who are in charge or the primary minister. Above you see that leaders are referred to as bishop, pastor and apostle. 

  I just thought this was interesting and was wondering if any of you have seen others that have really long names. 

  Don't know if any of you have noticed but this post is number "500" for this old NC guy.  Never for a moment did I ever think I would find 500 reasons to post anything.

What's in a name?

My friend Belle brought up the subject of dealing with your name this morning and made me think about mine a little stronger. My personal situation is really kind of unique. You see my father was born as one of twins back in 1913. They looked nothing alike but when my grandparents came up with names they were stuck on "O's" that day.

My father was named Odie and my uncle was named Otha. My father's full name was Odie Langley. That's right, no middle initial. So when I came along they named me Odie Langley, Jr. Again, no middle name or initial. For the first 21 years I was know as "Junior". It really took me a while to get comfortable with being called Odie after I got out of the military.

Over the years I may be giving my information to someone over the phone and would receive mail addressed to O.D. Langley, Oddie Langley or even Otis Langley. I even got into the habit of saying after I had given my name, you know, like Garfield's buddy hoping they were familiar with the comic strip character dog with the red tongue.

I know there are other Odie's in the world but during my adult life I have known of only one other Odie anywhere near where I live and that is Odie Griffin in Rocky Mount, NC. If there is another I do not know of him. Over the years I have wondered if life would have been different for me had my name been John, Sam, Benjamin or some other familiar name? Just a thought.