By WF Kumuyi
I never knew that the words The Defender of the Faith were part of my name and calling. We were in Singapore for a conference with attendees from different parts of the world, and my humble self was required to give series of messages.
After I finished the series, one of the ministers came and asked me if I knew the meaning of my name, William. I responded that I never thought about it.
Actually, when I was a young Anglican and I was to be
christened, my father asked me what Christian name I would love to bear. I said
I would love to bear the name Johnson. There was a Johnson in our community who
was very vocal, fervent, bold and courageous and I had learnt to appreciate
him.
It was agreed that I would be Johnson. But then when we got to the Church something else happened. As the ceremony was being performed the minister said "This boy shall be called William". I wondered why I had to bear that name.