In the Bible, the naming of people and places expressed hopes, indicated circumstances, offered prophetic vision and divine meaning. Names were important because they were symbolic and revelatory. Changing a name in biblical times meant something significant was happening in a person or a place and that an act of new creation was at play. Changing the names of Forrest Park, Confederate Park and Jefferson Davis Park to indicate where they are located seemed to be an expedient solution to putting the Civil War past in the rear view mirror. But, selecting a name is a big deal. Ask any parent of a new born child. It is hard enough for parents to do and a much more challenging enterprise for a council. So now a committee considers these new names with the possibility for new creation to be at play. My hope would be that if these parks are named once again, that the names, and the explanation of why the names were chosen, would reflect the spirit of our city. Devastated by yellow fever, civil war, racism, and poverty – we have a long history of coming together, working together, and cementing good in the cracks of our brokenness. Maybe the committee will choose new names symbolic of our efforts to be reconciled to one another with compassion and commitment to innovation and equity.