James 4:10 speaks of humbling yourself before the Lord and He will lift you up. Sometimes that comes from our own doing… and other times it comes without invitation.
Take—for example—a couple weeks ago when I spoke at a conference. It was the closing session and I’m sure the host forgot how to pronounce my name after he asked me three times for a phonetic lesson in zie über German, Olthoff [olt-hoff just like it looks]. As he introduced me to the audience I began to walk to the stage. Or shall I say, I was about to walk on to the stage. He roused everyone with a loud, Stand to you feet and welcome… BLanca er, Ul thoff.
Blanca Ul-thoff?!
In a momentary act of rebellion I wanted to sit back down. That ain’t my name, dude! That ain’t my name. [shakes head in disbelief]. But I did my mother proud and walked onto the platform.
Afterwards I just had to laugh. In the grand scheme of life, does my name really matter? No seriously, if my goal is to preach the gospel and glorify Christ, would it matter if he called me Bonquiqui? Or Jane Doe? Or Madam X? As long as the name of Jesus is remembered and praised, I will gladly respond to any name. Especially Beyoncé. Yes, anyone can introduce me as a Beyoncé.
The Count of Zinzendorf said it best, Preach the gospel, die, and be forgotten. As long as one name is remembered, that’s all that matters.
Love,
Blanca
PS If you’re in the Phoenix area on February 18th, Cornerstone is hosting an event for all women called REMIX. If you want to RSVP for this free event, check out their Facebook page for more details! [Side note: It’s my face on the promo reel but my name is wrong. I think Bianca Juarez is even harder to work with than Bianca Olthoff. From now on, feel free to call me Beyoncé! :)]
For more antics about the difficulty of my name, check out this blog: That’s Not My Name!
Dude, I called to make a dental appointment this morning and the woman acting like I had vomited down the phone on her when I told her my surname!
In other news, I always feel bad for you because you pronounce your name wrong – as in not the English way, and I don’t like to correct you, hence why I always go with the over-familiar option of B!
I have been thinking a lot about anonymity recently though – trying to figure out the line between not trying to gain attention for myself and hiding behind pseudonyms. Or something like that.
and this? this is why i love you.
Oh please, you love me because I’m adorable and you know it
Thanks for the giggles, Blanca! 😉
I’ve always believed that you should “do what you do because it’s the right thing to do, no other reason”. That has crossed over into every aspect of my life, including recognition & acknowledgment. You don’t hold a door open and wait for a “thank you”. Why should whatever else you do be any different?
Hi, my name is Nakeia [nah-kee-a]. Good luck with that one! LOL
I don’t know who to blame for the mishaps with pronouncing my name—my momma— or the poor soul who has to figure it out just beofre announcing me.
As I re-up my website and brand my business. My name is always an issue for me. But just as you have reminded me— my name is not as important as my message.
Carry on Mrs. Olt-hoff!!
You feel my pain!
I can relate! Chorizo, Cheerios, chrissie, etc… I have been called all of these and my favorite ” Are you Mexican?” Yes! A Mexican named Cherisse does exist :). I love your blog Beyonce!
Thanks, Chorizo! 😉
If it makes you feel any better, you’re not the only one with a last name that most people have problems pronouncing. I’m one of the many with a phonetically challenging last name! So I completely get it when others in our boat have to go through explaining how to pronounce–and spell– their name! 🙂
I go to Cornerstone and was so excited to hear this news!! I’m hoping I’ll be able to attend!
WOOHOO! Hope to see you there 🙂