In America, we tend to want to shorten peoples names instead of Susan, we say Suzie, Joseph, we say Joe and instead of DOROTHYINEZ, we say "Dorothy" without even asking if they mind. I have found as I have tried these past few month to "correct" people that is is VERY UNCOMFORTABLE to do but it must be done because it's apart of my branding, just like Minister of Beauty™. In fact, several women who also have difficult names told me it doesn't even matter to them anymore because they are used to it. USED TO IT??? REALLY? Why do we have to get used to be called anything but our name. If someone decided to call you _______________(you fill it in) would you just go with that too?
For 40+ years I was called Inez, which I love! But when I was called to start a business to serve women, I felt God inspired me to use my first and middle name TOGETHER, Not Dorothy, Not Inez, DorothyInez. My close friends and family call me Inez of course and that's ok.
I believe our names are divinely given to us. Most parents take the time to specially choose your name, they think long and hard some even have arguments about it. I think it is a disrespect to that person to call them anything other than their given name without their permission. I know NONE of you meant ANY disrespect, but I am just making a point. I often feel bad for immigrant Americans who come up with "American" names because no one want to try to pronounce their given name. It breaks my heart that Min Joo has to be "Helen" because we refuse to TRY to pronounce her name or Mary Susan has to just be Mary because it takes too long to say her full name.
Our names have meaning and I bet if you looked up yours, you would find that in some way you are living into that name because you have been called it for however many years. My name is Dorothy (Gift of God) and Inez (With A Pure Heart) that is who I am called to be to EVERY woman who works with me. Each time you say my name, I am reminded of my purpose and calling. It may seem long but its pretty easy to say once you get it. :-)
I encourage you the next time you meet someone to ask what they like to be called don't just assume Suzanne wants to be called Suzy. She just doesn't have the courage to correct you. I can testify that it is so hard to do.
Here's a video also explaining my logo AND name. I hope you understand where I am coming from. So please No more DOROTHY'S I share this with you in ♥
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