A good name is more desirable than great riches; to be esteemed is better than silver or gold. Proverbs 22:1 NIV
My husband is a firm believer in calling people by their names. And while I understand why it matters to him, it’s not simple for me.
Growing up with hearing loss, I developed a habit of avoiding names during conversations. I usually don’t catch them clearly when we’re introduced—even if they repeat it once or twice. I started asking people to write their names down, but that’s not always practical. Spelling doesn’t help much either—I often miss the letters, too.
Did this workaround actually work? I’m not sure. I usually feel a little awkward when, months later, I admit I didn’t catch their name and ask again. By that point, they often know me already—maybe they noticed my hearing loss or just accepted my way of interacting without thinking about it. Some might not have noticed that I never once used their name.
I get it—being called by name is powerful. It says, “I see you. I know you.” It’s tied to our identity.
But what happens when hearing loss makes that connection harder? Where does that leave someone like me?
1. The Meaning and Power of Names in Scripture
Deciding on a name for a child is one of the most significant decisions parents must make, often facing pressure from family to choose traditional family names. At the same time, they may want a unique name with a specific meaning.
In biblical times, names were carefully chosen and often prophetic, pointing to the parents’ aspirations for their child. However, sometimes names were chosen by God and revealed to the parents, or based on an encounter with God.
Hannah’s prayers were so intense that Eli mistook her for drunk. But God heard her, and she named her son Samuel—”Because I asked the Lord for him” (1 Samuel 1:20).
An angel told Zechariah that his wife, Elizabeth, would have a son. Because of her age, Zechariah did not believe it and remained speechless until the birth of John, whose purpose was to prepare the way for Jesus.
“Do not be afraid, Zechariah; your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you are to call him John.” — Luke 1:13 (NIV)
An angel appeared to Mary and told her she would be the mother of the Messiah, whom she would call Jesus.
“Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God. You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus.” — Luke 1:30–31 (NIV)
In these stories, a name wasn’t just a label—it was a message from God about who the person was and who they were becoming.
In Part 2, I’ll explore how names can also hurt—through labels, nicknames, or silence—and how God’s use of names brings healing and belonging.
If these reflections encouraged you, and you’d like to explore life with hearing loss, identity, and quiet strength, I’d love to invite you to read my book, Silent Courage: An Introvert’s Authentic Journey with Hearing Loss. It’s a story of resilience, faith, and the quiet beauty of unexpected connection. Thank you for sharing this calm space with me.
Quiet Words that Linger.
If you’d like more reflections like this, you’re warmly invited to subscribe—or drop a comment to share your thoughts. You can also browse the Silent Courage store for stories and tools created with care.
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