About My Name...

Because many of you are curious, I thought I'd share why I am now signing my name Lisa or eLisa instead of Elisa!

On a practical level, Lisa is just easier for people to say and remember, and I especially appreciate when people call me by name. I've tried before to go with Lisa, but never stuck with it. Even my sister has always called me Lisa. As new roles at church/ministry evolved, it seemed like a good time to officially drop the e.

This choice to go with Lisa is like a stone of remembrance for a work the Lord has done on my heart. God has really been dealing with me in the past two years -- bringing me to an accurate understanding of the abuse from my childhood and how I responded to it. I see my own "mess" and how I've hurt others, as well. The worst part has been my anger and bitterness.

In this season of healing, God has said, "take off this cloak of anger and put on my cloak of righteousness." According to the New Testament Scriptures, we are a new creation in Christ when we have been saved. I've been living like the old girl instead of the new girl. The name revision correlates with taking this head knowledge about the Word and applying it my life, as I begin to live like a new creation without the anger. I especially see it in light of portions of Ephesians 4:22-5:2,

You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.

..."In your anger do not sin": Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold...

Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.

I also feel God refining my "call" -- much like He changed Abram to Abraham, and Sarai to Sarah. Names are significant to God. He gave me Elisa, but I also feel Lisa is from Him, too. It signifies both where I've been and where I am going.

I am happy to be Elisa, as it is beautiful name, but I do prefer Lisa for the precious reminder it is to me of the work the Lord. Since so many of my dear friends and family still prefer Elisa, I have decided that eLisa is the best compromise and uniquely me. It is no coincidence that Elisa and Lisa both mean "my God is an oath," and when combined with my middle name, Ann, which means "grace," is truly a profound testimony. The Lord has certainly kept is oath of grace to me!

Because of Him,