Words draw me, but seldom a title.
Even though it is the title that defines the work,
a synopsis may be more enticing than words,
often in bold and fancy fonts.
Essentially, a title is nothing but a collection of words
to identify the words hidden by the covers.
Yet, I just finished a trilogy by a favorite fiction writer,
and he explained his titles at the end of the third story.
But I did not know this in advance, only at the end.
Then, the titles he chose made sense.
James Michener wrote sweeping sagas of location and times
Caribbean (currently re-reading), Alaska, Texas, Mexico,
and Covenant, all are his titles containing single words.
But his first novels were Fires of Spring (loosely set around his own life)
and Tales of the South Pacific (WWII).
I suspect his focus became narrower to single-word Titles.
Louis L’Amour used many single-word titles,
For me, perhaps, his novel series about the fictional Sackett family,
Are simply enjoyable reading. But the titles?
I find I’m unable to remember them as he had so many.
I pause. Consider. Our lives are full of descriptive titles.
From our career, education attainment, and family connections.
But at the root of it all, I title myself,
“The best ‘me‘ that ‘me‘ knows how to be.”
I do not require the honorifics nor the accolades of a position.
Maybe as with all my heroes of Bible fame,
Since we mostly know them by their singular name.
Why can we not follow their example?
But since I’ve never been ‘Mike,’ that abbreviation of my real name.
And ‘Michael’ is derived from the Hebrew name “mikha’el”
Which translates as “Who is like God.” Wait!
I’m honored to carry a name that has spiritual undertones,
But my first name, Carl, can be construed as one from “low birth.”
Or even from German, where it means ” free man”…
To be truthful, the middle name is a better identity.
I’ve moved from ‘Mike’ to ‘Michael,’ okay?
Don’t despair, I’ve learned to answer to anything.
Especially when called by someone who doesn’t know me.
When they may typically say… “Hey, you!”
Yes, I reply, That’s me. How may I help you?
Here’s my focus.
Names are titles. They confer uniqueness.
Sometimes they define your personality,
And maybe you came by that naturally.
It could be your name identifies your nature.
Regardless, own your name. That’s your title and identity.
Because one day, on a tombstone not written by you,
Your name and particular titles may be proscribed,
So do it now. Go forth. Write your life well.
Be the best you can be.
Psalms 124:1-8 NKJV
A Song of Ascents. Of David.
“If it had not been the LORD who was on our side,”
Let Israel now say—
“If it had not been the LORD who was on our side,
When men rose up against us,
Then they would have swallowed us alive,
When their wrath was kindled against us;
Then the waters would have overwhelmed us,
The stream would have gone over our soul;
Then the swollen waters
Would have gone over our soul.”
Blessed be the LORD,
Who has not given us as prey to their teeth.
Our soul has escaped as a bird from the snare of the fowlers;
The snare is broken, and we have escaped.
Our help is in the name of the LORD,
Who made heaven and earth.
Thank you for reading.
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