A good name is more desirable than great riches; to be esteemed is better than silver or gold. Proverbs 22:1 NIV
Welcome to Part 2 of Living Without Names: Learning to See Beyond Words. To recap, Part 1 explored the significance of names—how they shape our identity and how carefully they were chosen in Scripture.
In this post, we explore how nicknames and labels can hurt, how God tenderly uses names in Scriptures, and the character of God as conveyed by His Names. We end with the quiet practice of seeing people, when you don’t use their names.
1. When Names Hurt: Nicknames, Labels, and Identity
Our names are inextricably linked to our identity. Hearing your name evokes a mental image of you. Interestingly, someone’s perception of you and your own perception of yourself can differ significantly, depending on your past interactions.
Your name is something you don’t get to choose. Some people grow into their names, but others dislike them so much that they legally change them as soon as they can.
Most people will ‘collect’ nicknames with time—some they’ll love, others not so much. The difference? The person using it and the intention behind it.
The difference between a name that heals and one that hurts is crystal clear to me. My dad used to call me Suzie, and I loved it. He even used to sing me an Afrikaans song: Suzie liefste Suzie… I hated it when anybody else used it, because it symbolised my special relationship with my dad.
Other nicknames or labels, like “Fat Danny” or “Clumsy Pete,” can be deeply hurtful. These names are belittling and a sign of disrespect.
Our names carry weight—but it’s the way they’re used that can either lift us or wound us.
While names can be used to hurt, let’s look at how God’s use of names can also heal us.
2. Names in Scripture: God’s Tender Use of Names
Names play a significant role in the Bible.
In Genesis 2:19, God ordered Adam to name all the animals. It implies a partnership between God the Creator and Adam, who was tasked with caring for His creation.
In Isaiah, we read:
“Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine.” — Isaiah 43:1b (NIV)
God also changed people’s names after life-altering encounters with Him.
- Abram became Abraham after God promised he would become the father of many nations.
- Jacob became Israel after wrestling with an angel.
- Saul became Paul after meeting Jesus on the road to Damascus.
Throughout the Bible, names are infused with meaning:
- Abraham — Father of many
- Samuel — Heard by God
- Peter — Rock
- Isaac — Laughter
- Jesus (Yeshua) — The Lord Saves
We may never experience such dramatic name changes, but we can still encounter God through His names.
3. The Names of God and the Comfort They Bring
Each of God’s names reveals something about His character. At different times in life, certain names resonate more deeply. Here are a few that have shaped my journey.
Abba — Father (Romans 8:15)
When we accept Jesus, we gain the right to call God “Abba.” I had a very close bond with my dad. Even though I know God is a better Father than any human, I still struggle with the perception because I can’t physically see or feel Him.
Even when my feelings wrestle with truth, I trust that His love holds me more securely than any human arms ever could.
Jehovah Rapha — The Lord Who Heals (Exodus 15:26)
In my twenties, I prayed fervently for healing for my hearing. It didn’t happen, and that caused a crisis of faith.
Today, hearing loss is such an integral part of my identity, I’m not sure how I’d even adapt to life without it.
God didn’t heal the way I expected. He gave me the grace to live fully and meaningfully with hearing loss as part of my story.
Jehovah Jireh — The Lord Will Provide (Genesis 22:14)
Provision is more than financial. Yes, God can bring breakthroughs, but often His provision is quieter:
- An unexpected refund
- Cheaper groceries when a surprise bill comes
- A friend fixing your washing machine while you help with their tax return
Psalm 37:25 says, “I have never seen the righteous forsaken or their children begging for bread.”
Yet we know people suffer. God’s provision may not always be what we expect—it often sustains us in hardship, not removes it.Jehovah Shalom — The Lord Is Peace (Judges 6:24)
We live in an era of noise, busyness, and exhaustion.
God invites us to something else:
“In repentance and rest is your salvation, in quietness and trust is your strength…” — Isaiah 30:15 (NIV)
Spending time in His presence can quiet the turmoil in our hearts and bring peace, even in the middle of life’s storms.
El Roi — The God Who Sees Me (Genesis 16:13)
Years of rejection due to hearing loss left me feeling invisible. I lacked confidence and believed people didn’t like me.
Even in my faith, I felt I had disappointed God.
It took time—and truth—to undo that lie. Meditating on Scripture helped, and it’s still a journey.
In a world where people are too busy to truly see others, I take comfort knowing God is El Roi. He sees me fully and tenderly.
In every season, God’s names remind us He is present, sufficient, and faithful.
So, where does that leave those of us who still struggle to catch names? Let’s explore a quieter way of seeing.
4. Living Without Names: A Quiet Practice of Seeing People
Not knowing or using people’s names can be challenging, but it doesn’t mean I don’t see or value you—it’s just a different way of acknowledging.
After many years of living with hearing loss, even if I do know your name, I might still not use it in conversation.
When someone mentions a person I know but doesn’t use their name, I have two options:
- Nod along and pretend I know who they’re talking about (not wise), or
- Ask and hope I can recognise the description. It’s awkward, especially if I actually know them fairly well.
It works both ways. When I talk about someone I can’t name, I rely on context and description, hoping others will figure it out.
Although I now disclose my hearing loss more often, catching names is still difficult. I may ask for a repeat, ask someone else, or give up if it becomes too frustrating.
Not using names has become part of my conversational style.
Lightbulb moment:
Since most people always have their phones with them, why not ask them to type their name and show it to you? It sounds foolproof to me!
Using a person’s name during conversation is a powerful way to acknowledge them. It can bring them vividly to mind—visually, emotionally, or symbolically.
But let me paint you a different picture:
You’re standing in line at the supermarket. The person behind you is holding a book by your favourite author. You ask her opinion. A lively conversation follows. Then it’s your turn to pay. You wave goodbye. You never caught each other’s names.
Still, there was a connection. Shared interest. Recognition.
Even though we ideally use names in conversation, connection doesn’t depend on it.
Instead of taking offence when someone forgets your name or avoids saying it, offer a little compassion.
They might have a valid reason.
And maybe, just maybe, you’ll hold space for someone who longs to feel seen, without needing to be named.
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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