I’m often asked how to pronounce my name or where my mother came up with it—so here’s my story.
When my mother found out that she was going to have a third child, she was determined it was not going to be girl. It’s not that my mother has anything against girls. She doesn’t. What she has difficulty with are strong-willed children. She much prefers compliant ones. Don’t we all? My mother had one of each—a strong-willed girl and a compliant boy. So when the doctor announced her third pregnancy, only a boy would do.
While either gender can have a strong personality, my mother still prepared for a boy. When it came to picking out clothes, she purchased boys clothes. When picking out names, she picked out only boys names—two to be exact—Richard Todd and Micah Todd. Yet, in all her determination to have a boy, I was born a girl. What did my mother do? She named me, Micah Todd.
Acknowledging my gender, she changed the spelling of my name to M-i-c-c-a. But I’ve always wondered if subconsciously she gave me a boy’s name in hopes that I’d act like one. If so, that plan didn’t work in her favor either. I’m a true girly-girl with a mixture of both my sister and brother’s personalities.
I struggled growing up with a boy’s name. At the start of every new school year, the teacher naturally assumed I was a boy according to my name. This taught me that my name gave false testimony to who I was. Many times I’ve considered changing it. Then, one day I was approached by a woman who had been sitting in the audience as I spoke.
“Your name fits you.” She said.
“What?” I almost couldn’t believe my ears!
“Yes” she continued. “You’re a speaker of the Word. That makes you a prophet—just like the prophet Micah in the bible.”
My mouth hung open for the longest time. I tried to respond to her commit, but I was thinking about where my name originated from. It wasn’t the bible! My mother had gotten the name from one of the characters in an old western sitcom called, “The Raffle Men.” I was named after the Sherriff for heaven’s sake!
As I pondered the woman’s observation, I realized that she was right. Regardless where my name came from, it fits my life’s purpose—to speak God’s truths. That does describe the job of a prophet. My name didn’t give false evidence of who I am…it defined it.
I’m amazed at how my children’s names fit them, too. Maybe you’ve also discovered that your name fits the real you, as well! If not, that’s okay. When Christ returns you’ll be given a new name! Like many that lived between the pages of the bible, Jesus changed their name to fit the person He created them to be. In heaven, God has a new name for you…one that fits you to a tee.
Sharon Sloan - Joy In The Truth says
Wow, Micca, I wonder if that woman in the audience knows how God used her that day to minister His truth to your heart!!?? That’s a great story! And your name does fit you indeed…you love God’s Word and you proclaim it!
It’ll be fun to see what our new names are in heaven! 🙂
Sharon (my dad picked my name — he named the girls and my mom named the boys!)
elaine @ peace for the journey says
I love your name, regardless of its inception. You wear it well, and you speak Jesus well.
peace~elaine
Kathy S. says
Thank you!! I was wondering that myself and found out @ She Speaks I was pronouncing it wrong….
I have loved the studies in the Bible about what names mean and how significant they are. Even names of places and wells are significant.
My mom always ordered the plaques from the Christian bookstore for her kids and our spouses with the meanings of our names. It is amazing how they fit! I just wrote today about a little boy I got to pray with to recieve Jesus and his name is Christian!! I wondered if his mama knew it would be prophetic!!
Blessings, Micca! Lovin’ your unique name!
B His Girl says
I like that you have a unique name. Isn’t it funny how we have our expanded thoughts about our names? I love it that God gave you a new way to see your name. He did that for me too.
I am the ‘baby’ in my family, #7. My Mom let my aunt name me. What was that all about? Was she tired of coming up with names for her children? I’m Barbara. How plain and ordinary is that! It means stranger, foreigner. My aunt passed away years ago. She was a strong believer. Now that I am where I am with the Lord, I think my name fits. I am ordinary,just passing through this land. Heaven’s my home. My friends call me B.
“B” His Girl
ThreeGirlyGirls says
wow! That’s a neat story! And I agree with what that lady said about your name! That’s really cool!!
I do find that all my girl’s names fit them very well….epecially my middle one who’s name is Hope. She is very special and just has an aroma of “hope in Christ” all around here.
My Third girl’s name is Kennedy which I found out means “Chief Warrior” and WHOA…watch out because if you get in a battle with her you lose!! =)
Jerralea says
I love hearing how people get their names. My name, Jerri, is taken for a boy’s name a lot. I was named after my dad, Jerry, and my mom, Carol Lee. I am Jerri Lea and it’s supposed to be pronounced Jerralea.
One question, Micca, I’ve seen your name as Micca Monda on different devotions. Is Monda your maiden name? Inquiring minds want to know! *grin
LeAnn says
I always assumed you were named after Micah in the Bible and your mom just couldn’t spell! I was, however, quite curious about the “Todd” part.
I think your name suits you and I couldn’t imagine you with any other name. It is unique – like you. It forces your lips to curl into a smile when you say it – like you. It’s strong – like you. It comes with a story – like you. Best of all… when the gate attendant announces that “Micca” needs to get on the plane before they lock the door, there will be no mistaking who they are calling for. (It will be less likely for you to get confused!)
Love you friend!
LeAnn
Angela @ Refresh My Soul Blog says
Girl that is too funny!
I was going to be named Angelica or something but it got changed to Angela because my grandma gave my mom something with my name on it as Angela-I never really liked my name either. It was from an old soap opera called Dark Shadows.
Well, all my life people have said my named suited me because I was a sweet angel-not sure if I agree but it was interesting to me.
So naturally my children’s names were very important to me.
My first girl was named Kaitlyn which means pure and that was very important to me for her. I think like dedicated to the Lord-Holy. Her heart has always reflected the deeper things of God. She desires Him more than anything else.
My second named Hannah which means grace of God. She was a harder pregnancy and did everything backwards so I kept saying if we get through this thing it will be the grace of God and Hannah became her name. Well, she still does everything backwards and I find myself saying the same thing about GRACE!
Interesting post.
Much love,
Angela
BTW-I love your name too-it is catchy and so appropriate.