What’s in a name? 

Do you know anyone else named Arlen? It’s not a very common name. I was named after my parents. My dad’s name is Arthur and my mom’s name is Lenna. So they took the Ar from my dad and added the len from my mom, and came up with Arlen. I believe they thought they made it up. 

Apparently, it’s a name of Gaelic origin that means oath, pledge, or promise. Variations of Arlen include: Arlin, Arlan, Arlynn, Arden, Alden, Arlo, Arles, Harlan, and Arland. The female version is Arlene. (Harold Arlen composed the songs for the Wizard of Oz.) 

Rarely, I’ll encounter someone else named Arlen. I probably notice it more because I’m hyper-aware of it. But still, it doesn’t come up too often. 

At times in my life, I’ve been embarrassed by my name, especially when it is mispronounced or when I’m asked how to spell it. And so there are times when I’ve gone by my middle name, David, which is much easier to say and spell. When I order food at a restaurant and they ask for a name, I’ll usually say Dave. 

All this is to say that I’ve not really appreciated my first name much. 

A few weeks ago, I was doing a mindful exercise in which I spent some time with Jesus Christ. As part of the exercise, He showed me where my name was written on the palm of His hand. (See Isaiah 49:16.) I felt humbled, grateful, and fully known as I saw Arlen written on his hand! I recognized that his sacrifice was for me, specifically, personally, individually!

Another experience I had recently was visualizing the parable of the prodigal son. Using an eye of faith, I saw myself coming home to my Father, after having left him for worldly pursuits. As I near my home, I see Him running toward me. He’s laughing and crying at the same time, and also calling my name—Arlen. He says it with so much compassion and joy! I’ve not heard my name spoken that way before. It’s wonderful and healing! 

“But now thus saith the Lord . . . Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; thou art mine.” (See Isaiah 43:1.) 

To be continued . . . with Part 97.