Jemima and I am proud of it

My name is Jemima, but most times, I shorten it to Jem. Jem is also short for Jemima, Esther, and Maureen, an encapsulation of all my names.  It isn’t because I hate the name, but I hate the jokes that follow the name. Besides, only my friends call me Jem. Growing up in a predominately white neighborhood and being black with this name was not easy with all the Aunt Jemima pancake jokes.  The food box with the big black woman on the cover. People could be so ignorant. But I never shortened my name in public. Too bad for them, huh?

Jemima is of Hebrew origin, meaning a dove.

My parents named me from the Bible, like one of Job’s daughters in the book of Job chapter 42 verse 14.  In 19th century England, it was a popular name. Throughout history and today, a number of women had and have this name.

It is a good and wonderful name to have, and I love it.

Author: Jemmie Jems

Under the name Francis Lee, I write interracial Christian romantic suspense. My stories are about finding enduring love when hope and redemption seem unattainable as danger lurks around every corner. My characters learn that where there is darkness, "joy will always come in the morning". View all posts by Jemmie Jems