NameStory:
Messenge in the Name Angela

by Angela Blount
©2008, All Rights Reserved

Angela is a derivative of Angel, and means: messenger of God. My parents gave me this name with the intent of using Angel as my nickname. As it turned out, I was more of a holy terror than anything remotely angelic as a child. I never got to wear the shortened version I was deamed undeserving of.

Fortunately for my family, and the public at-large, I had a revelation of conscience at the age of twelve when I realized that eternity was a far worthier goal to be focusing on rather than whatever unfulfilling kicks I could get out of my exceptionally limited lifespan.

So I suppose that was about the time I started trying to live up to my name. I've lost count of how many times I've clearly understood the saying: 'Don't shoot the messenger.'
An angel is not a delicate thing. The impressions of the world have lost a handle on their true nature. Angels are poorly represented by porceline figurines, plump cherub paintings, or as images of lovely women. From what we see of them in scripture, an Angel is a servant, a messenger, and a warrior. A creature of great strength, poise, and purpose. No shortage of inspiration there.

It has taken me some years and a lot of struggle before I accepted that trying on my own abilities wasn't nearly as effective as surrendering to the One I was promoting and simply allowing Him to work with and through me. This has become an on-going process in my life. It never fails to surprise me the ways that God has used me to get through to people. I'm not the most charismatic, tactful, or qualified of candidates, which I suppose makes it all the more obvious that it's about Him and not about me.