When we were younger, we used to call each other names: Mysterious Misty, Bea the Beautiful, Gerry the GOAT, and Sam the Swift. With our made-up names, we introspectively think of ourselves as someone we admire or someone we wish to become. We beam with pride with these monikers.

Even adults have names and titles to adorn their accomplishments: Alexander the Great, The Conqueror Genghis Khan, and the Saintly Mother Theresa. 

But names are not always positive. Sometimes people call us names that imply a derogatory meaning: Dennis the Menace, the schemer Charles Ponzi and the infamous Dictators Adolf Hitler and Joseph Stalin, among others.

Negative name-calling is not just for the kids. The wide use of social media and the rise of memes gave birth to ad-hominems, especially in politics. 

In argumentation, ad-hominem means attacking the person's character more than countering the argument in play. Argumentum ad hominem is to topple the opponent by taking advantage of feelings or interests rather than focusing on the general principles. Today, resorting to ad hominem seems to be an end in itself because you are thought to have no more intellectual argument to offer. You're too overwhelmed with the argument that you'll just attack the person's character directly. Somehow, a taboo and an act of unprofessionalism.

OK, so what's in a name?

My mother wanted to name me Ezekiel, just like the prophet in the Bible. But in a Filipino family, grandparents have a say when it comes to naming a child so I was named Martin instead. The overwhelming reason: I was born on a Tuesday (Martes). What a backstory.

In the Bible, names are also declarations. Emmanuel means God is with us. Ethan means solid or enduring. Sarah means princess or a noblewoman. Names are so important that their descendants carry the legacy even after they die. An unsuspecting child will inherit the name of his father - be it a disgrace or a celebrated name.

Names are not just labels. It's not just some random word our parents gave us and later on we give to people with which we respond to. Somehow, our name affects our character and personality.

So we make it a point to make a "name for ourselves". We work and do everything to become the best version of ourselves. We choose to become good, law-abiding citizens and avoid having bad records elsewhere. We protect our image because we know it will greatly affect the reputation of our families and loved ones as well. Names are not just names, it means a lot to us.

Why Point am I Making?

It was one of my shower thoughts. I was thinking, we work hard to provide for our families, to give them all the essential things they need and more. But aside from material things, they also need something they can be proud of. 

I believe we are still a values-driven nation. As much as possible, we'd rather work hard than provide our families with stolen food. It doesn't matter if we're poor as long as we live with integrity. We can walk with confidence knowing that our finances came from legitimate sources. We can't stomach something that ruins our morals. 

So no matter what life brings, let's carve a name our future kids and grandkids will be proud of. Let's make our name "ring" with integrity and grace, with positive influence and inspiration. That when they hear our name, they can't throw any negative remarks against us. That's my goal. I aim to leave a legacy of a good life to my descendants, but I also aim to leave a legacy of a good name. I want them to be proud that I did not just work for money, I also worked to give them a name they can confidently embrace.