Being swept along in a cornucopia of female humanity, I swam to the outside of the pack and located the room for my meeting with the editor. With the clarity of a bullhorn, I hear my real name being called out. Feeling like I just was just “Called Out” and in trouble, everything slows and I feel a panic crawling it’s way up my insides. Pausing, my eyes lock with the owner of the voice as she gently places one hand on each of my arms and steers me over to the wall. Overwhelming feelings surge from somewhere deep inside of me. Like a pendulum, they swing from shear panic to curiosity. Who is this lady? How does she know my name? Frozen and speechless, she exclaims, “I’ve been looking all over for you! Your name is Crystal, correct? We met when we both first arrived.” I have no facial management, so I am sure my mouth is open and my eyes are wide like my biggest secret has just been announced on the public announcement system. She continues, “I’m a Baptist pastor’s wife and I’ve NEVER had this happen before, but God clearly spoke to me and asked me to find you and tell you that your name is NOT an accident. He chose it when He created you. Your parents did not name you. He did. He created you with a clear sparkle that reflects Him. He did this to draw others to Himself through you.” She went on, but honestly, I don’t remember much. Standing there with hot salty tears pouring down my cheeks, I knew there was no mistake. How could she have even known what a big deal my name was to me?
You see, very rarely did my parents ever use my real name growing up. They called me variations of it. One of my parents even spelled it wrong. Yet, God had sent this Baptist lady to find me and deliver this soul mending precious message. The dam that had held back so much shattered and in that instant everything changed. I can’t stop thinking about the fact that the God who created this world and knit me together, knows my name! He knows your name too!
As an elementary librarian, I know the power of knowing my students names. If you don’t know a kid’s name, you don’t know them and they know it. Using a student’s name helps them know that you care about them as an individual. It also allows you to develop trust with that student.
Throughout the bible, Jesus calls people by their names. He never says, “Hey lady!” or “Girl”. Names are important to Him. Just like He called Jacob, Moses, Abraham, Martha, Simon, Saul and others by name, He calls you by name too! YOU and I are known to Him and loved with an everlasting love. If you struggle with this, try substituting your name in the verse below for Jacob and Israel. Read it. Memorize it. Be still and let it sink deep into your heart. It is His words to you!
Until We Chat Again,
Crystal
But now, O Jacob, listen to the Lord who created you.
O Israel, the one who formed you says,
“Do not be afraid, for I have ransomed you.
I have called you by name; you are mine. Isaiah 43:1
