Knowing or not knowing the NAME of an entity

[Ruth]

We know that in many old tribes (African and American Indian and Austrialian), a child is given a true name, as well as a name to be known by and to be called. So those people are identified with a sound, but a sound without correct frequency.

When I was 25 (long long long ago), I died in a car accident. While in and out of coma for a few months, and 8 surgeries in hospital, two elderly family members did me a great service. To help my healing and survival, and mainly to fool the angel of death, they performed a spiritual ceremony, and re-named me. I may have been about 6 months out of hospital, when one of them called me to tell me what my name is.

I don't believe that I have any enemies at this point in my life, but this was not always true (Youth . . . ! ! . . . . . . ). I do know that over the years, I always felt a comfort and a safety, knowing that anyone wishing me harm didn't know what my true name was.

To this day it remains my secret.

I've never thought about this, though, in regards to love. I feel love, and I also feel trusted. I've always assumed it's just my face. I think I have the sort of face people trust and talk to. So I hold many secrets actually, and I've always feel glad when someone confides in me, that they choose me, because I do keep their secrets.

But you know, actually, when people talk to me they do have all of my attention but shortly afterward, (a day or two ?), I forget. It's absolutely wiped out of my mind. Sometimes I bump into strangers (say, in the grocery), and they approach me as if I know them. Smiling, happy, asking how I am (?), and I do put it together, that it's probably one of "them."

Charles, I deeply appreciate you sharing this with us. I have not had the near death/renaming experience you did, that sounds quite fantastic! I have several Native American friends, so I do understand the "true name" concept.

I do share with you the ability to keep the secrets of others, often as you described, by forgetting. I usually remember a face, sometimes even if I haven't spoken to the person. But not their secrets. If I remember certain facts, I frequently can't recall who told them to me, and again, hold them safe.

It's nice to know I'm not alone with that trait.