Peggy Boldizsar Nunley

When I was 25 years old I got engaged to, Joel, the love of my life.

I still remember the day we went searching for the perfect engagement ring. He knew I was particular so he wanted to get me the ring that was unique to me, but one we could cherish together. After a few days of searching high and low in all the big jewelry stores, we decided to go to a small jeweler in my husband’s to be home town.

As soon as we walked in the door the owner saw my future husband and said, “You’re a Nunley boy, aren’t you?” Joel was very humble and quietly replied, “Yes”. The owner began to share how much he respected his dad and family. Then he said, “Since you’re a Nunley, you have instant credit!” I about fell over! What?!! Instant credit just because of the last name he carried?

I remember leaning into Joel and whispering, “If he knew I was a Boldizsar, he would lock everything up!”

You see, I had grown up under a last name that came with a lot of baggage. In fact, I was the only one in my family that had not been arrested. I grew up in a lot of domestic violence, different types of abuse, and too many struggles to name. My ACE (Adverse Childhood Experiences) test score is literally off the charts!! 🥴

I couldn’t image carrying a name that was filled with so much respect, honor, and trust. As I thought over this experience the Lord began to show me that it doesn’t matter the ‘label’ placed on my birth certificate or the name I would carry when I married. He showed me that both names bore imperfection and were never meant to define me or anyone else. Because, in Christ we are given a ‘new name’.

In fact, if you are born again, The Bible says that Jesus calls us by many new names:
“Beloved”, “Desired”, “Mine”, “Chosen One”, “Heir”, “Disciple”, “Saint”, “Overcomer”, “Conqueror”, ‘Friend”, “Redeemed”, “Accepted”, “Righteous”, “Free”, “Holy”, “Blameless”, “Daughter or Son”, “His”, “Victorious”, ect.,,,,

Recently I was contacted by someone who brought back to memory the shame I once felt with my maiden name. What amazed me was even though this person felt I should never use this name again – I didn’t feel shame in my maiden name anymore. In fact, I felt just the opposite. In my life I have seen beauty come from so many ashes.

My maiden name, Boldizsar, means, “God Bless the King”. I realized that by carrying my new name in Christ, I have been able to fulfill the beauty of my maiden name. I was created to “Bless the King” all the days of my life. Before I was even born, Isaiah said; “You will be called by a new name that the mouth of the Lord will bestow.”

When I was born again, God placed His Spirit in me, and no matter how much shame, rejection, or abuse was thrown at my life – He had already called out in me the “Name” He chose for me. His Spirit in me, redefined the label I came into the world with.

Did you know He wants to redefine your label too?

The beauty of the Gospel is that our past, our circumstances, our lineage does not have to define us. We are redefined in Christ and given a name.

In Rev 2:17, it says; “Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To the one who is victorious, I will give some of the hidden manna. I will also give that person a white stone with a new name written on it, known only to the one who receives it.”

Our Father in Heaven never meant for us to be defined by the labels of this world. He calls us into purpose through the names He calls us by.

Can you hear Him?

He is calling out to you today too….. “Come to me all who are weary and heavy burdened, I will give you rest.”
(Matthew 11:28)