I’ve continued to think a lot about names and the power of words throughout this season. My brother-in-law and sister-in law- visited us from New England recently and we were talking about words. My brother-in-law made the comment that words don’t have power until we give them meaning. I loved this and actually thought a lot about it. I began to realize that when I tell my story, I won’t use the “c” word and I won’t say “GBM.” The 2 words that most define this stage I’m in. I noticed that I would point to the area where the tumor was and make a circular motion with my finger and just say, “this” or “my stuff.”  I started thinking about why I did this and why I basically refused to use the name of my diagnosis when telling my story. Maybe it was denial or just not wanting to accept it? Or, maybe it was just that I didn’t want to give them power.  I started seeing in scripture and hearing in songs about the power of the name of Jesus. I was in my car driving home one day and Jeremy Camp’s song “The Same Power” came on. It talks about how the power of Jesus that calms raging seas, moves mountains, and raised Jesus from the dead lives in us. I knew that the Lord was telling me that the name of Jesus and his power in me is what I need to focus on. 

When I got home, I told Glenn about what I thought God was telling me. He told me a story of when he worked at Unity. He would often have to leave the school to go meet with potential donors. He felt terrible as he left his office while other employees stayed and worked. He said that he named the walk from his office to his car “The Walk of Shame.” He knew that he was still working when he left, but he felt guilty that everyone else stayed at the school.  He eventually talked to a mentor about this, and this person convinced him of the importance of what he did and told him to rename it with the truth. He thought about it and decided it should appropriately be called “The Path to Prosperity.” This made so much sense to me! The same exact act but with a different name. The power of words!  So...we decided we should rename my tumor. Take away the negative connotation and put the positive power of Jesus’ name in it. 

I was so excited about getting a new name for this thing, but had no clue what it should be. I got in the shower that night and heard the song “See A Victory” by Elevation. I had heard that song a million times, but this verse specifically stood out to me at this given moment:

“You take what the enemy meant for evil and You turn it for good.”

I immediately thought about my tumor. Satan definitely intended for this thing to destroy me, but, I tell you, there have been SO many good things that have occurred because of it! Things that wouldn’t have happened had I not gotten my diagnosis.  I was even more convinced that I needed to change its name. I thought about the name for weeks and nothing came. We threw around several possibilities. God Brings Miracles (GBM) was great but it just wasn’t the actual name I wanted. I just kept coming back to the “See A Victory” song. After talking to my family, I told them I felt like it had to have the word “victory” in it. Should it be Victor? Victoria? Wasn’t quite sure what gender it was (haha) and Ellie suggested simply “Vic.” I realize it’s not dynamic or catchy like The Path to Prosperity and it doesn’t even sound that biblical, but what I do realize is that Jesus is the one who brings the VICtories and there is definitely power in His name!

I want to encourage you to remember that if you have something negative going on in your life, the Lord will use it for His good! Rename that thing that is oppressing you and focus on the positive...because what’s in a name? POWER!

My favorite verse: 

Romans 8:28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.

Song Links

See A Victory (Elevation Worship) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YNd-PbVhnvA

Same Power (Jeremy Camp) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7NcEkEeghYQ