by Dorothy Marie Kucera

Created on: December 29, 2007   Last Updated: February 17, 2008

Anyone with the name "Mary" (or "Marie," etc. derivatives) is a person whose life is associated with circumstances that cause bitterness or sorrow. The name originates from the Greek word, "myrrh." Myrrh is an herb that is very bitter until it is crushed...then it releases a sweet fragrance. Myrrh was one of the three gifts presented by the wise men to Jesus Christ and his parents after his birth.

In the field of psychology, it is known that people tend to "live up to their name," thus it is very important to go one step farther in analyzing what your name means. Do not give up when the initial information is negative. Consider the spiritual application of your name to get the full picture of self-esteem and the contribution you can make to society. The best explanation about how to do this comes from Bill Gothard's excellent seminar titled "Institute in Basic Life Principles." http://www.iblp.org

You take the meaning of your name, in this case, "Mary" or "Marie" and you write down "bitter" since that is the main characteristic of the herb myrrh. Think about all other girls or women who have that name as their first or middle name. Are their lives associated with many discouragements or hardships? Have they suffered much emotional or physical pain? I have observed this fact consistently with every girl or woman with this name, even if they did not understand the meaning. How can they move past the bitterness of what family members, friends and/or unfortunate circumstances have done to them throughout their life?

Next, you look at what happens to myrrh, the bitter herb, when crushed. Sweet fragrance is released, that which is pleasing to others, that which comforts or encourages. Therein lies the value of all girls and women with the name "Mary" or "Marie" and other derivative names. Suffering in life has produced the highest degree of sensitivity and compassion in them. They are exceptionally alert to the needs of other people who are in any type of pain...they hear the cries that are unheard by other ears. They know what will happen if no one rescues or comforts those people. They know the best type of comfort to extend, how to relieve the suffering, how to extend hope once again and how to encourage those people to develop stamina. They are highly qualified to be chosen to lead organizational efforts or to counsel leaders who are in that position.

However, you have a choice when your name implies a life of hardship at the hands of other people. You can stay

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