To take his name upon us

If you know me, you know I absolutely adore the 2015 live-action Cinderella movie. There’s something about its magic, music, and message that enchants me every time. In one scene, Ella cries after receiving the cruel nickname “Cinderella” from her wicked stepmother and stepsisters. To them, her identity has been reduced to that of a dirty servant girl. The voice of the Fairy Godmother then declares, “Names have power, like magic spells.”

I recently watched a video that deepened my fascination with names and the power they hold. It explained that the Hebrew name, “Yahweh,” — later rendered “Jehovah” — can be pronounced simply by breathing. Inhale, “Yah.” Exhale, “weh.” In Latter-day Saint beliefs, Yahweh is the name the ancient Israelites gave to Christ. Imagine it: with every inhale and exhale, from our first cry to our last sigh, we carry Christ’s name on our lips. Inhale, “Yah.” Exhale, “weh.” Every single breath whispers His name.

If names have power, and we are breathing Christ’s name thousands of times every day, do our lives reflect it? One of the Ten Commandments is to not take the Lord’s name in vain, and it goes far beyond avoiding swear words. As disciples, we are asked to take His name upon us — to speak, act, and live as He did. If we claim His name, but live contrary to His nature, do we not take it in vain? And if every breath carries His name, do our actions honor it, or do they betray it?

Scripture often uses new names to symbolize transformation. Abram becameAbraham. Sarai became Sarah. Jacob became Israel. Simon became Peter. Saul became Paul. Their new names reflected covenant choices and new identities. In the Book of Mormon, King Benjamin invited his people to enter into covenant relationship with Christ. Afterward, he taught: “Because of the covenant which ye have made ye shall be called the children of Christ, his sons, and his daughters… I would that ye should take upon you the name of Christ…” (Mosiah 5:7–9)

The people were known by a new name: Christ’s name. As His disciples, when we choose to follow Him, we too are called to take it upon ourselves.

Names matter. They shape identity. I am Avery Palenske; that is my name, what I respond to, who I will become. Likewise, new names in scripture foretell purpose: Abraham became a father of many nations; Sarah, their mother; Israel, one who let God prevail; Peter, a spiritual rock; Paul, humble. When I take Christ’s name upon me, He becomes my identity. His attributes — love, patience, humility — become characteristics I strive to develop. I become a new creature in Him.

As a missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, I wore a black nametag with Jesus Christ’s name over my heart every day for 18 months. I tried to become the representative of the Savior I was called to be. And it worked. As I genuinely sought to help others see Christ through words, actions, and behaviors, I became more like Him. I handled conflict more patiently, trusted God more deeply during trials, and served with a meek, humble heart. His name wasn’t just on my tag — His character was written on the fleshy tables of my heart (2 Corinthians 3:3). As Jeremiah prophesied: “I will put my law in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts; and will be their God, and they shall be my people” (Jeremiah 31:33).

Jesus Christ has many names. Savior. Light of the World. Prince of Peace. Advocate. Counsellor. Friend. As His disciples, breathing His name every moment, are we living up to it? Are we saving those in need? Bringing light into the world with unashamed faith? Making peace in conflict? Advocating for the voiceless? Counseling and comforting? Being genuine friends? If we are not, we take His name in vain.

Every breath we take whispers His name: Yah…weh. Names have power, the Fairy Godmother reminds us — and His name is no ordinary name. It is a covenant, a calling, and a challenge. To speak it without living it is empty; to breathe it without embodying it is hollow. Like Cinderella, who discovered the hidden power in her own name, we too discover that the name of Christ transforms everything: our actions, our relationships, and ultimately, ourselves. It is a name that calls us to love, to serve, to forgive, to act. Inhale, “Yah.” Exhale, “weh.”

We are not ordinary; we are His. If we let His name shape our hearts and guide our choices, His power flows through us — turning ordinary moments into opportunities for love, hope, and change. Every word we speak, every deed we do, every breath we draw can honor Him — or betray Him. May we breathe His name, live His name, and become living letters of Christ in the world, so when others see us, they see Him.

Avery Palenske has got anatomy on the mind; it’s hard not to when the class rules every second of your life. In between memorizing every notch and crevice of the skull, heading up multiple projects at her workplace, and still trying to find time to socialize once in a blue moon, she has taken on the additional responsibility of teaching Sunday School at church. Busy doesn’t even begin to describe this back-to-school frenzy, but she is grateful for time each week to slow down and worship God in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.