What's in a Name?

March 16, 2025
 
Reflections from the Heart of Allan Redenius
So, I've been thinking about my name, Allan Redenius.  
 
As for my first name, Allan, there are only about fifteen ways to spell it.  There is Alan, Allen, Alyn, and of course the spelling my parents gave to me, Allan.  OK, maybe the number fifteen is an over exaggeration, but you get the point.  Invariably, when someone else, other than me, spells my name, it is always wrong.  Now, if you want to write me a check, out of the generosity of your heart, I'll cash it no matter how you spell my name. 😊  Over my lifetime, I've been called a lot of names, and when compared to those, I think I'll stick with Allan. 
 
Now, as for my last name, who in the world would ever pick the name Redenius?  Even Armona, when we got married, tried to convince me to change my last name to her maiden name, Frank.  If I had done that, there certainly would be much more ink in the world today.  My grandfather migrated from Germany with that last name.  My grandmother’s maiden name was Huisinga.  My mom’s maiden name was Stecker.  Her dad, my grandpa, was born in Germany too.  His first name couldn't be more German, Folkert.  So, since I’m German, the name Redenius fits my heritage.  A man from Germany once told me that the name Redenius means, “redneck.”   Maybe my ancestors have a story to tell?  On the other hand, he may have been the redneck and was just pulling my leg.
 
At any rate, I know who I am.  No matter my name, I am a child of God.  I am in the lineage of Jesus.  And to think, I didn't even have to pay $100 to ancestry.com to figure that out.  Jesus even knows my name.  “Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; You are mine.”  (Isaiah 43:1)  
 
Do you belong to the family of Jesus?
 
Pastor Allan
 
 
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