What's in a name?

As of this writing, I have ten godchildren. TEN. Time flies so fast! It still amazes me that I’ve been trusted to help guide that many lives! Being a godmother isn’t just a title for me, it’s a role I take to heart.  Most of the parents who asked me are my closest friends and relatives. Maybe one reason I often get chosen as a godmother is because of my profession. I’m a teacher. My friends and relatives probably love the idea that I can help guide their children toward the right path. I hope so 😅 It’s a humbling thought but also a big responsibility that I try to carry with care. I don’t know if I can truly lead anyone to the right path, but I do hope I can at least be someone their children can look up to or at least someone who genuinely cares. --- Earlier this year, I attended another baptism. The parents informed me weeks in advance, which I appreciated because I like to block my schedule when I’m asked. Otherwise, it would’ve been another Sunday full of errands. I love being present at these ceremonies. It always reminds me why I said yes to being a godmother in the first place.  _{📍 Mary Mirror of Justice Parish} The ceremony was held at a nearby church. A volunteer stood in front to talk about the duties of godparents. The usual reminders of guiding the child, being present in their life, setting a good example, etc. I’ve heard those same lines many times before, but they always make me reflect if I'm doing enough for my godchildren. Then, she started reading the names of the babies to be baptized that day. There were only two that day since it was a scheduled baptism. That’s when she paused and frowned a little while reading my godson’s name. *Killua.* If you watch anime, you probably already know it’s Killua from *Hunter X Hunter*. His parents are both anime lovers and that’s how they came up with the name. His parents really love Hunter X Hunter and I kinda like that they named their child after something they both love.  _{Killua, carried by his mom} Just after she mentioned my godson's name, she made a side comment, saying that parents should be careful when naming their children because names are carried for life. Of course I agree with that. But the tone of her reminder made it sound like there was something wrong with the name 'Killua'. Then she went on to praise the other child’s name, saying that we should follow that example because they gave their child a *holy name*. At that point, I couldn't help but raise an eyebrow a little. I mean, sure, names have special meanings, but does giving your child a holy name automatically make them a good person? I’ve met a lot of people with names like Angel or Grace who weren’t really graceful or angelic. And I’ve also known people with unusual names who turned out to be some of the kindest, most grounded people you'll ever meet. It's not the name, it's all about how a person is raised and how they choose to live their life. > Do you think names can influence someone’s character? Then came the twist that still makes me chuckle to this day. The other child’s name, the one being praised, is *Christian*. I agreed that it's a nice name. But then the volunteer mentioned it the second time because she forgot the second name. I had to stop myself from giggling. It's *Christian Grey*. I tried soooo hard not to laugh. I looked around to see if anyone else noticed but it seemed like I was the only one who caught the reference because everyone seemed calm and unbothered. I've read and watched the reference 😆 (iykyk!) and I couldn't ignore the irony. The volunteer smiled proudly and still calling Christian Grey a beautiful and holy name. The ceremony went on, but that moment lingered in my head. It’s been months, and I still remember it so clearly. It was funny but also thought-provoking. It made me reflect on how quick people can be to judge, even over something as simple as a name. > They say names define who we are. Or is it the other way around?