I Have Called You…

“My name is Roger and it means ‘tall’” said the 5’2” priest in his homily on the 2^nd night of the “Simbang Gabi” at my parish. The reading was about the family tree of Jesus wherein names and names were given and I have never heard most of them.

Fr. Roger said his name doesn’t suit his height, but God did His part so he will fit in. He is now a priest. At church he is the tallest among all guys being on the altar while saying the mass, the only one who is elevated on the platform and seated on an elevated chair. Hmmmm, that makes sense… and he added to his homily, it is good to find out what the meaning of your name is and see what God has done for you to fit in.

I have known the meaning of my name since I was High School. Arlene means a “Pledge”, synonymous to a vow, an assurance, a word of honour. A man is as good only as his words, from a saying and I did not really understand that before. I was just a simple Arlene to my friends back in elementary, in high school and even during my first jobs. I am still the same simple Arlene now but I have learned in my 13 years of running a business, it is important that you earn the trust of both your suppliers and customers. I was able to start up a new business without any financial capital. The only capital I had was my word. I earned my suppliers’ trust that they agreed to supply me their products without any cash out. I made a point that whenever they ask for payment, I have something for them. If I do not have enough cash to pay them, I call them and tell them the truth; never did I lie to them nor give them empty promises. I earned my customers’ respect and trust. I do not cheat them. I speak to them looking directly to their eyes. I deliver what I can and apologize for those I can’t. This is true to my suppliers and customers. May God help me to be the same to whoever I meet. Going back to what Fr. Roger said, it is important to know the meaning of your name, and see what God has done for you to fit in. My name is Arlene and it means a “Pledge”. And I will never forget, God also said, “I have called you by name and you are mine.”