** Founding Story **
MyName is Michael, this is MyStory...
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Name: Michael Nelson Age: 17 High School Virginia, USA |
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What's In a Name?
Everyone has a name. It is how we are labeled; it makes us each easier to identify. However, names can serve a far greater purpose. In my opinion, my very existence is proof that one’s name is far more than just a convenient label. I was born Michael Clare Nelson on July 18th 1996 at 5:46 a.m., a month and a half earlier than expected. I was my mother’s sixth child, but her eighth pregnancy. Before me, she had two miscarriages. Naturally, after two heartbreaking pregnancies, she was afraid that the next one would also end in this unfortunate way. Once she knew she was pregnant, she immediately sought the advice of my uncle, a Catholic priest. His suggestion was that she pray to a powerful saint throughout the pregnancy to act as a patron to her baby. My parents liked the idea and decided that whether I was a boy or a girl, I would be named “Michael” after St. Michael The Archangel. My mother was still worried and asked the Poor Clare Sisters, whose cloistered monastery was down the street from our home at the time, to pray for my safe arrival. They prayed for my mother and I in their intentions every day. It was then decided by my parents that because of the Sister’s love and intercession that my middle name would be Clare. I was born prematurely but, luckily, I was healthy. Although I was born a girl, my parents kept their promise to name me Michael. Apart from my healthy birth, my name has shaped my life in many other ways.
My name has helped me to grow socially, gain confidence and to develop tolerance for people who are different than I. I can remember in my younger years how it felt to be ostracized for my name. Children whose brothers or fathers were named Michael couldn’t fathom that a girl could ever have that same name. The taunting and teasing was hurtful; children can be cruel. I have often been asked the question, which has become comical to me in my elder years, “Did your parents want a boy?”. The social stigma of my name followed me into high school. However, with age, I have learned to laugh at myself and to love who I am. It is a profound and freeing moment when you realize that, in some cases, it doesn’t matter what others think. It is a lesson that many people never learn and that my name has made a lot easier for me to discover. I have also gained an understanding and respect for people’s differences. I believe that everyone has unique qualities and it is best to embrace those qualities. These oddities are what makes each of us interesting and beautiful.
The source of my name has also immensely strengthened my faith and helped me to place my hope in God’s plan. My parent’s gave me the name of strong saints for protection. Because of this, I have come to the conclusion that life is precious, something worthy of protection. I have always attributed my life to God and to my patrons, St. Michael and St. Clare. This idea has helped me to trust in God’s specific plan for me, which has motivated many of my life decisions. The schools I have attended, the kind of friends I make, and the places I go have all been things I have prayed about in order to be open to his plan. If I had a different name, I don’t think I would understand to the same degree about the importance of life and God’s plan for it. Likewise, I don’t think I would be as accepting of others’ differences. All names are important because they help shape the path one travels in life. My name has, in some ways, made my life difficult, but in many ways, it has enriched my life. My name is what it is and has set my life on a unique path that, as Frost noted, “has made all the difference”.
Everyone has a name. It is how we are labeled; it makes us each easier to identify. However, names can serve a far greater purpose. In my opinion, my very existence is proof that one’s name is far more than just a convenient label. I was born Michael Clare Nelson on July 18th 1996 at 5:46 a.m., a month and a half earlier than expected. I was my mother’s sixth child, but her eighth pregnancy. Before me, she had two miscarriages. Naturally, after two heartbreaking pregnancies, she was afraid that the next one would also end in this unfortunate way. Once she knew she was pregnant, she immediately sought the advice of my uncle, a Catholic priest. His suggestion was that she pray to a powerful saint throughout the pregnancy to act as a patron to her baby. My parents liked the idea and decided that whether I was a boy or a girl, I would be named “Michael” after St. Michael The Archangel. My mother was still worried and asked the Poor Clare Sisters, whose cloistered monastery was down the street from our home at the time, to pray for my safe arrival. They prayed for my mother and I in their intentions every day. It was then decided by my parents that because of the Sister’s love and intercession that my middle name would be Clare. I was born prematurely but, luckily, I was healthy. Although I was born a girl, my parents kept their promise to name me Michael. Apart from my healthy birth, my name has shaped my life in many other ways.
My name has helped me to grow socially, gain confidence and to develop tolerance for people who are different than I. I can remember in my younger years how it felt to be ostracized for my name. Children whose brothers or fathers were named Michael couldn’t fathom that a girl could ever have that same name. The taunting and teasing was hurtful; children can be cruel. I have often been asked the question, which has become comical to me in my elder years, “Did your parents want a boy?”. The social stigma of my name followed me into high school. However, with age, I have learned to laugh at myself and to love who I am. It is a profound and freeing moment when you realize that, in some cases, it doesn’t matter what others think. It is a lesson that many people never learn and that my name has made a lot easier for me to discover. I have also gained an understanding and respect for people’s differences. I believe that everyone has unique qualities and it is best to embrace those qualities. These oddities are what makes each of us interesting and beautiful.
The source of my name has also immensely strengthened my faith and helped me to place my hope in God’s plan. My parent’s gave me the name of strong saints for protection. Because of this, I have come to the conclusion that life is precious, something worthy of protection. I have always attributed my life to God and to my patrons, St. Michael and St. Clare. This idea has helped me to trust in God’s specific plan for me, which has motivated many of my life decisions. The schools I have attended, the kind of friends I make, and the places I go have all been things I have prayed about in order to be open to his plan. If I had a different name, I don’t think I would understand to the same degree about the importance of life and God’s plan for it. Likewise, I don’t think I would be as accepting of others’ differences. All names are important because they help shape the path one travels in life. My name has, in some ways, made my life difficult, but in many ways, it has enriched my life. My name is what it is and has set my life on a unique path that, as Frost noted, “has made all the difference”.
Reflection Question:
1 What does your name mean?
2 what are the origins of your name?
3 Who are some people that you respect that have your name?
4 Write a press clipping form the future with your name. Where will you be? What will you do? How will you make your mark on the world?
5 What will be your legacy?
1 What does your name mean?
2 what are the origins of your name?
3 Who are some people that you respect that have your name?
4 Write a press clipping form the future with your name. Where will you be? What will you do? How will you make your mark on the world?
5 What will be your legacy?
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