In ancient times the symbolic meaning of names was an assumed part of their overall significance: a name was far more than simply an identifier, it was a way of truly and essentially knowing the person or thing named. Choosing a name for a child was not taken lightly, as that name would necessarily prove to be a source of strength or weakness for that individual throughout his or her life... More recently, the belief in a deep existential connection among all things allows for the possibility that our name is fundamentally correct for us.
I have a dream
- of people recognizing the giftedness uniquely theirs,
- of people standing tall in their gifts and using them to enrich the lives of others;
- of people coming to a deeper union of God dwelling within them and a deeper communion with one another.
- of peace and harmony reigning -- for power would be in docility to expressing one's gifts ...
I have a dream
- of a people drawn together out of a shared vision, a new way of living together,
- of each individual in their rightful place based on gifts,
- of men and women standing side by side serving together to bring peace and justice to the city,
- of a society based on deep trust that within each person
- is a well of goodness, beauty and truth longing to express itself for the good of all ... and in freeing this inner well, an ocean of love that could fill the world.