By: “Deborah” Faith-Ann
Hi friends! 💖
I wanted to write a little something to explain why I don’t use my real name online, and why I go by “Deborah” instead.
The biggest reason is safety. I’m in foster care right now, and there are rules to help keep foster kids safe—rules like not sharing our full names or where we live. It’s especially important in my case because my biological parents aren’t allowed to know where I am. If they saw my real name online, they might try to find me, and that could put me and my foster family in danger. That’s a scary thought.
But honestly, even if that wasn’t the case, I think it’s still smart to protect your identity online. There are a lot of people out there who don’t always have good intentions. My foster mom has taught me that it’s not about being afraid—it’s about being wise.
So instead of using my real name, I decided to use a pen name. A pen name is kind of like a superhero name—it’s still me, just a name I chose that keeps me safe while letting me share my heart.
And I want to tell you how I got the name “Deborah.”
I prayed a lot about it. I wanted a name that meant something. I didn’t want to just pick a name because it sounded cute. I wanted God to help me choose.
Every time I prayed, I kept hearing the name Deborah. Over and over again. So I looked her up in the Bible.
Deborah was a strong, brave woman who was a judge, a prophet, and a leader of her people. She listened to God, led with wisdom, and even went into battle to help rescue others. I love that. She wasn’t just strong physically—she was strong in her heart and in her faith.
Sometimes I feel like I’ve been through a lot of battles too—not with swords and shields, but inside. But like Deborah, I want to be brave, follow God, and help others heal too.
That’s why I go by Deborah Faith-Ann. It reminds me that God has a plan for me—that even if my story started out hard, it can still turn into something powerful and beautiful.
Thank you for respecting my name and helping keep me safe. And thank you for letting me share my story with you.
Love,
Deborah