What's in a Name?

I guess I’ve known the meaning of my name for as long as I can remember. Stacey means “of the resurrection” or “one who rises again”. Although the naming process seemed random, I’m convinced it was divine. I was supposed to be a boy – Michael David - right up until I was born. Surprise! So, needless to say, my parents had NO girl names picked out. My mom liked Casey and Kelly, but my dad liked neither. He reasoned that Casey was too much like K.C., his father (who was a real stinker!), and we’d had a cat named Kelly. So, they came up with Stacey instead, but I truly believe it was a God-inspired name because I was certainly gonna need it! My name has brought me much strength and hope throughout my life because there were many times I needed desperately to know that I would make it through. I have two pronounced wrinkles between my eyes where my forehead comes down to meet my nose. I’m sure there’s a name for those but anyway. I hate those wrinkles and have tried amazing products that helped, but I have unfortunately earned them. Far too many years of tears and pain and trying to understand my crazy ways caused those two annoying wrinkles. I guess I mostly hate them because I think they’re the main things that give away my age. Lol! On this Easter morning, I am reflecting on my resurrected Lord who has rescued me from near death time and time again, not only physically, but also emotionally, mentally, and spiritually. He is risen, and, because He is, I, too, am alive in Him! And believe me, that’s a long way from the ‘life of death’ I’ve lived through in the past! I may get into more detail in future blogs, but suffice it to say that I have survived a lot of dysfunction in my days. I have NO doubt in my mind that were it not for Jesus, I would NOT be alive today! In fact, I’m pretty certain I wouldn’t have even made it thru my teenage years. But God…those are 2 really powerful words! You may or may not believe in God, believe in a risen Savior, Jesus Christ, and that is your prerogative. I do not intend to try and convince anyone of His existence. My efforts here are only to document the amazing journey that I have been on with THE God Who raised me from the dead many times in many incredible ways! I wish only to give credit where credit is due, to the One Who deserves all the glory for my changed life. I now know that I will one day be able to look back and say “that was a life lived well”. You have no idea what a reversal that is for me. I spent many many years on a life lived MY way, full of pain and struggle and shame. This journey of a life lived well really only began a year after my first husband left me, and I was finally willing to admit that my way was not working and submitted to help from the only One Who could truly help me. And He has resurrected me in such a dramatic way…His way…that I enjoy regular epiphanies delivered to my heart from His Holy Spirit, and I am truly changed! Happy Easter to all! My Redeemer lives!!! :)