Faith to Overcomeნიმუში

What’s in a Name?

Written by Sandra Barnes

Revelation 2 verse 17 says, “To him who overcomes . . . I will give him a white stone, and on the stone a new name written.”

I anxiously awaited the unveiling of the portrait to be hung in the hospital’s corridor as a part of the ceremony. The fanfare of renaming our hospital to honor Dr. Alexander T. Augusta prompted thoughts of biblical name changes—like Abram to Abraham, Sarai to Sarah, as we read in Genesis, chapter 17.

Since every name has a story, curiosity led me to uncover the arduous career journey of Dr. Augusta, who was born a free Black man in 1825 in Norfolk, Virginia, amid slavery and laws prohibiting his education. He secretly learned and dedicated his life to healing and advocacy, becoming the first Black physician commissioned in the US Army during the Civil War. Augusta also became the first Black head of a hospital and the first Black professor of medicine.

I proudly embrace my hospital’s new name because it is a reminder of Augusta’s perseverance. Throughout Scripture are promises of new names, including the one given to those who stay the course and overcome trials, tribulations, and persecution. It might be tempting to give up when times get hard. We can grow weary when fighting the sins of the world, especially the forces that create and sustain discrimination and injustices. May Dr. Augusta and many others whose names are reflected on buildings remind us of the new name we have waiting for when we overcome the challenges in this life.

Reflect on a person’s story that can help you stay the course as you face opposition.

Let’s pray.

Heavenly Father, help me to know and accept the loving names You call me as I keep the faith.

Amen.